In a mind clear as still water, even the waves, breaking…

“In a mind clear as still water, even the waves, breaking, are reflecting its light.”

Dogen

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A clear mind reflects all phenomena without distortion.

In simple terms: Clarity reveals truth.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate mental clarity.

Themes

mindfulness clarity reflection

Mood

calm inspired

Type

spiritual practical

When to use this quote

meditation
conflict resolution
creative work

Key Concepts

Zen Buddhism cognition

Questions to Reflect On

What practices sharpen your mind?
How does clarity affect perception?

A Different Perspective

Clarity can be fleeting.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

Buddhist Clear water Light Mind Psychology Still waters Water Waves breaking

More by Dogen

The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.

Dogen

When a buddha is painted, not only a clay altar or lump of earth is used, but the thirty-two marks, a blade of grass,…

Dogen

Just as parents care for their children, you should bear in mind the whole universe.

Dogen

Yet you must not cling to the words of the old sages either; they, too, may not be right. Even if you believe them,…

Dogen

Set aside all involvements and let the myriad things rest. Zazen is not thinking of good, not thinking of bad. It is not conscious…

Dogen

Though it has no thought of keeping watch, it's not for naught that the scarecrow stands in the grain field.

Dogen

Continuous practice, day after day, is the most appropriate way of expressing gratitude. This means that you practice continuously, without wasting a single day…

Dogen

Whenever learners or those beyond learning awaken the mind, for the first time they plant one buddha-nature. Working with the four elements and five…

Dogen

“If you are unable to find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?”

Dogen

Realization doesn't destroy the individual any more than the reflection of the moon breaks a drop of water. A drop of water can reflect…

Dogen

“If you attain unsurpassable, complete enlightenment, all sentient beings also attain it. The reason is that all sentient beings are aspects of enlightenment.”

Dōgen

To study the Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self.

Dogen

“Every man possesses the Buddha-nature. Do not demean yourselves.”

Dōgen

Because mountains are high and broad, the way of riding the clouds is always reached in the mountains; the inconceivable power of soaring in…

Dogen

Working with plants, trees, fences and walls, if they practice sincerely they will attain enlightenment.

Dogen

Explore all 143 Dogen quotes

More Buddhist quotes

One of the things I regret about not putting in that book or I think it's there but I didn't really elaborate on it,…

Brad Warner

One of his students asked Buddha, "Are you the Messiah?" "No," answered Buddha. "Then are you a healer?" "No," Buddha replied. "Then are you…

Gautama Buddha

For fear of causing terror to living beings, Mahamati, let the Bodhisattva who is disciplining himself to attain compassion, refrain from eating flesh.

Gautama Buddha

Be lamps unto yourselves. Be refuges unto yourselves. Take yourself no external refuge. Hold fast to the truth as a lamp. Hold fast to…

Gautama Buddha

Humility simply means that you do a great job at everything and it isn't really a big deal.

Frederick Lenz

Speak only the speech that neither torments self nor does harm to others. That speech is truly well spoken.

Gautama Buddha

I don't look at anything. Every person whether he is Hindu, Muslim or Buddhist, he is my brother, my sister. I think we all…

Mother Teresa

My family is Jewish, Buddhist, Baptist and Catholic. I don't believe in man-made religions.

Whoopi Goldberg

I'm working at trying to be a Christian, and that's serious business. It's like trying to be a good Jew, a good Muslim, a…

Maya Angelou

Buddhist words such as compassion and emptiness don't mean much until we start cultivating our innate ability simply to be there with pain with…

Pema Chodron

“Even my Buddhist friends have been feeling despair and when they go bad, you know the end is nigh.”

Anne Lamott

He who causes suffering shall suffer. There is no escape.

Gautama Buddha

“When I think about what it would take to achieve freedom from all psychological stuff, the response that comes is this: life is about…

Daniel M. Ingram

If my happiness at this moment consists largely in reviewing happy memories and expectations, I am but dimly aware of this present. I shall…

Alan Watts

The Buddha gave his first talks, and three or four ascetics became his first disciples. They recognized his enlightenment.

Frederick Lenz

Browse all 1,479 Buddhist quotes

In a mind clear as still water, even the waves, breaking…

About This Quote

Related quotes

More by Dogen

More Buddhist quotes