Dogen's Regulations for the Auxiliary Cloud Hall (1239)

[struggle4progress]

... 6. Do not be concerned with the faults of other persons. Do not see others' faults with a hateful mind ... Do not imitate others' faults: just cultivate virtue ...

12 ... You should be sobered by the fact that the work of the way is not yet thoroughly mastered. You should regret the subtle passage of time which is eating away this opportunity for the practice of the way. Then you may have the sense of being a fish in a small puddle ...

14 ... Do not enter the hall smelling of onions.

15. Quarreling persons should go out of the hall, because it hinders not only their own work in the way but also that of others. Those who see such quarreling and do not stop it are equally at fault ...

moon in a dewdrop: writings of zen master dogen
edited by kazuaki tanahashi
north point press: 1985

[rug]

1. He's right about the onions.