Dōgen Zenji and a disciple
1. Dōgen Zenj
Dōgen Zenji was a Japanese Buddhist monk.He is famous as a founder of Sōtō Zen (Sōtō school).
Shōbōgenzō is a thought book written by Dōgen Zenji.
It's famous among people who know Sōtō Zen.
Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki is a collection of Dharma talks told by Dōgen Zenji.
It was written by Koun Ejō who was a disciple and the 2nd chief priest of Eihei-ji.
There is a famous anecdote.
A disciple of Dōgen Zenji asked Dōgen Zenji about Buddha-nature.
It's very interesting.
But I can't find out the source of this story.
It seems that there is a similar story in Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki.
2. A anecdote (Dōgen Zenji and a disciple)
One day a disciple asked Dōgen Zenji."All humans have Buddha-nature. But some people succeed, other people fail. What makes the difference?"
"I can tell you, but try to think by yourself."
The disciple thought one night.
But he couldn't find the answer.
Next morning he asked the master again.
"Last night I tried. But I couldn't find out. Please tell me."
"OK, I tell you. People who succeed make efforts. People who don't succeed make no effort. It's the difference."
The disciple was very glad to know it.
But on that night a new question came to his mind.
All humans have Buddha-nature. But some people make efforts, other people make no effort. What makes the difference?
Next day he asked the master again.
"Yesterday I thought I understood. But I don't understand. What makes the difference between people who make efforts and those who make no effort?"
"People who make efforts have an ambition. People who make no effort don't have an ambition. It's the difference."
He accepted the answer given by his master.
He jumped for joy and went home.
But on that night a new question came to his mind again.
All humans have Buddha-nature. But some people have an ambition, other people don't have an ambition. What makes the difference?
The disciple asked his master again. It was 4th.
Dōgen Zenji said.
- To read this article in Japanese