The Significance of Self-Reflection in Zen Buddhism: Insights from Zen Master Dogen
Zen Buddhism, a profound and influential tradition within Buddhism, places great importance on self-reflection as a means of understanding one’s true nature and achieving integration and balance in one’s life. One of the most prominent figures in Zen history, Zen Master Dogen, the founder of the Soto Zen school in Japan, made significant contributions to the practice of self-reflection.
At the heart of Dogen’s teachings on self-reflection is the practice of zazen, or seated meditation. Dogen believed that zazen provided a profound opportunity for individuals to engage in self-reflection. During zazen, practitioners are encouraged to sit in a relaxed yet alert posture, focusing their attention on their breath and bodily sensations. This practice allows individuals to observe the ever-flowing stream of thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment or attachment.
Dogen stressed the importance of not trying to suppress or control these mental phenomena but rather to witness them as they arise and pass away. This observation of the mind’s activities, according to Dogen, is the gateway to understanding the true nature of the self and the world.
Central to Dogen’s teachings on self-reflection is the concept of impermanence. He emphasized that all things, including the self, are constantly changing and evolving. Through self-reflection, one can directly experience the ephemeral nature of thoughts, emotions, and even the concept of selfhood itself. This awareness of impermanence can lead to a deeper understanding of the fundamental truth of being.
Dogen advocated for non-attachment as a crucial aspect of self-reflection. By letting go of attachments to fixed ideas, preconceptions, and judgments about the self and the world, practitioners can liberate themselves from suffering and delusion. Non-attachment enables individuals to approach self-reflection with an open and receptive mind, free from the confines of egoic limitations.
Of course as one “practices” zazen it becomes apparent how difficult it is
to let go of our fixed ideas and judgements. But one tries to just observe
the thoughts and feelings, the coming and going in our minds. Over time this detached observation may develop… but it takes a lot of patience from my experience.
And it may never truly disappear but an acceptance and understanding of
our “monkey mind” does slow down and sometimes the monkey just
abides in the treetop, calmly eating a banana…no longer surprised by what
thoughts and feelings arise.
Dogen’s teachings on self-reflection extend beyond the meditation cushion. He believed that the insights gained through zazen should be seamlessly integrated into every aspect of daily life. This means bringing mindfulness and self-awareness to mundane activities such as eating, walking, working, and interacting with others.
In Dogen’s view, the exploration of one’s own self reflection is not limited to the confines of a meditation hall but is best realized in the midst of everyday experiences. This integration of self-reflection into daily life fosters a way of life a “practice” of growth and the continuous deepening of insight. Everything that happens in your life is an opportunity for insight and intimacy.
