Poems by Dogen Zenji
(1200-1253 A.D.)

All Things Are Impermanent

That which is born will also die.
Those who have met will also part.
What has been found will be lost.
What has been made will break.
Time flies past like an arrow,
and all is evanescence.
Is there, in this world, anything not transient?


The First Step

In whatever we do,
if the first step blunders,
we go off in an absurd direction.
We practice the Buddha's path,
not to be rescued ourselves,
but for the sake of serving the world and all people.
From this vow let us take the first step.


Righteous Religion

Too much devotion to one's own religion,
and slandering other people's religions,
results in hatred and strife.
Is there any greater stupidity?
The righteous religion, in every era,
is one that illuminates people,
and leads to a peaceful way of life.
People of religion should never draw swords against each other.


Aspiration Toward the Buddhist Path

There are some religions for hoping a miracle will occur,
and some religions for praying to get supernatural abilities,
and even religions for imploring business success.
But the Buddha's religion is a religion of seeking to guide society,
and to serve people.
The aspiration toward the Buddhist path,
means loving the whole universe as parents love their children.