Psychology Quote by Dogen
““To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be actualized by myriad things. When actualized by myriad things, your body and mind as well as the bodies and minds of others drop away. No trace of enlightenment remains, and this no-trace continues endlessly.””
About This Quote
Source Sutra: Shobogenzo, 13th century
Realizing enlightenment involves dissolving the self and merging with all phenomena, leaving no personal trace.
In simple terms: Let go of self to become one with everything.
Release ego, embrace unity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- meditation
- deep contemplation
- philosophical study
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can one practice self‑forgetting without losing personal responsibility?
- What does “myriad things” mean in modern context?
The concept of “no‑trace” can be abstract and hard to apply in daily life.