Quote by Eihei Dogen: “Life and death are of supreme importance. Time passes swiftly. Awaken, awaken!”

This urgent directive emphasizes the preciousness and brevity of life, urging immediate spiritual awakening. It highlights the impermanence of existence and the critical need to seize the present moment for profound realization before time inevitably runs out.

Dogen's later writings often reflected an increased urgency as he neared the end of his life, reinforcing his core teachings on the importance of zazen and diligent practice. His concern for awakening was deeply tied to the impermanence of human existence.

Thirteenth-century Japanese Buddhist monk who founded the Soto school of Zen in Japan and is considered one of Japan's greatest philosophers. After studying in China, he returned to Japan and composed the Shobogenzo, a vast philosophical and meditative work written in Japanese rather than Chinese, an unprecedented choice for serious Buddhist writing. His teaching on the unity of practice and enlightenment transformed Japanese Zen.