"Dogen, the Zen Master: A Search and a Fulfillment" is a profound exploration of the spiritual odyssey of Eihei Dogen, one of Zen Buddhism's seminal figures, presented through the illuminating lens of Osho's wisdom. In this discourse series, Osho delves into the intricate tapestry of Dogen's teachings, bringing to life the essence of Zen's core principles—mindfulness, enlightenment, and the transcendence of duality. He highlights Dogen’s journey as a transformative quest for truth, reflecting on the profound simplicity and purity of Zen practice. Osho emphasizes the importance of direct experience over dogma, encouraging seekers to delve into the silent depths of their being where genuine wisdom resides. Through his insightful interpretations, Osho bridges the ancient with the contemporary, offering timeless spiritual guidance relevant to the modern seeker's quest for inner clarity and peace. Central to the series is the theme of 'being in the now,' a quintessential Zen concept that dismantles the barriers between the seeker and the sought. Osho navigates the delicate dance between seeking and fulfillment, elucidating how, in embracing the present moment fully, one finds the ultimate liberation—where the search transforms into fulfillment itself.
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Chapter 1: To study the way ... to forget the self
Study the self to forget the self: drop ego and be enlightened by all things; living masters transmit it, and remembering and forgetting the self are one.
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Chapter 2: Firewood and ash
Body and mind are inseparable; life and death are changes of form, not the end—remembering past lives can disidentify you from form and free you through meditation.
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Chapter 3: The mountainless ocean
The ocean of your being underlies changing appearances; awaken by letting go into your buddha-center, a master's presence holds contentment and thirst.
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Chapter 4: Dive a little deep
Find and surrender to an authentic master whose presence awakens your innate buddha-nature; practice by openness, gratitude and silent inner diving.
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Chapter 5: The moon never breaks the water
Enlightenment is natural as moonlight on a silent lake: shed conditioned personality and borrowed knowledge so your buddha-nature reflects without obstruction.
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Chapter 6: The sky is not scratched by the cloud
Buddha-nature is already present; 'the right time' is this moment — recognize your forgotten name and live with total, awake presence fearlessly.
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Chapter 7: Live one day as a buddha
Dogen: practice and expression are one—live a day as a buddha, shed masks, treasure each hour, avoid visualization in meditation; silence is essential.
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Chapter 8: Secretly, a jewel in his robe
The universe is a single, timeless Buddha-jewel; enlightenment is inexpressible yet transmissible through the master’s loving provocation and contagious laughter.