Quote by Eihei Dogen: “All things are like a mirror, without inside or outside.”

This metaphor describes the interconnected and non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that all phenomena are reflections, inseparable from everything else. It implies that distinctions we perceive are superficial, and a deeper truth reveals a boundless, unified existence, without inherent boundaries.

Dogen's early teachings after returning from China focused on the profound unity of all things. This concept was central to his understanding of dependent origination and emptiness, aiming to break down conceptual barriers to direct realization.

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.