Dogen journeyed from Japan to China, seeking the true essence of the Dharma. After years of searching, he met Master Rujing at Tiantong Temple. One night during meditation, Rujing noticed a monk dozing off. He struck the monk with his slipper and shouted, 'Zazen is the dropping off of body and mind! Why are you sleeping?' Upon hearing these words, Dogen experienced a profound inner transformation. He entered Rujing’s quarters later, offered incense, and bowed deeply. When Rujing asked what had happened, Dogen replied, 'Body and mind have dropped off.' Rujing confirmed, 'Dropped off indeed.' Dogen returned to Japan to teach that the act of sitting itself is enlightenment, requiring no seeking beyond the present moment.
True enlightenment is not a goal to be reached, but the natural state realized when one lets go of the ego and the dualism of body and mind.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Dogen's Enlightenment?
The story teaches that spiritual awakening comes from the total letting go of the self-centered ego. By 'dropping off body and mind,' one realizes that zazen is not a means to an end, but enlightenment itself.
What does 'dropping off body and mind' mean?
This phrase refers to the transcendence of physical and mental attachments. It is the realization of non-duality where the practitioner is no longer bound by individual identity or intellectual concepts.
Who was Master Rujing?
Tiantong Rujing was a Chinese Caodong Buddhist monk who became the teacher of Dogen. He was known for his strict discipline and for emphasizing that zazen is the only necessary practice for realization.
Why did Dogen travel to China?
Dogen was dissatisfied with the Buddhist teachings in Japan at the time, which he felt were too focused on ritual and theory. He sought a master who could explain the true nature of practice and enlightenment.
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Good night.
