Sensei: Dogen said, "Endless path on the autumn sky, this full moon makes me stay awake." This is called Moon View Picture. It is when he was watching the full moon a few days before he passed away. This other picture is Bodhidharma; his eyes became like that because of staring at the wall for nine years. If you peer at those people right here, what are you going to do? Looking into your zazen, do you have something to express to them?
Steve: If this guy, Bodhidharma, suddenly appeared among us, what would we do? Immovable, compassionate--like a rock in the middle of a strong current giving birth to many little rocks.
Phil: Bodhidharma, you rushed back to India the day of your death, leaving silk caravans muttering. Their gossip is gone, and only shreds of their brocades are left in museums; yet your eye stares without ceasing an instant through centuries.
Trout: Nine years, you still have ten toes. Nothing special. Bodhidharma!
Student: Does zazen ever become perfect?
Ruth: Bodhidharma, thank your artist friend for showing your character so clearly.
Sensei: That artist always says, "I am here to make your portrait."
Claus: Actually Bodhidharma's master had to shove him into China, he didn't really want to go.
Sensei: That was the first mistake; second mistake was meeting with Emperor Wu; the third mistake was to sit for nine years. That is the pattern of all, so my life is all mistakes. Mistake, missing take, but there is beyond that. That is our problem. All those mistakes are secret teachings.
Angie: Dogen, I wish I knew what phrases you were writing on the pillars; after all, it is a pretty gorgeous moon.
Hathaway: I'm very grateful that we don't have to put a thumb tack through this one (Sensei) and hang him on the wall.
Sensei: Bring a hanger and I will put her on the wall.
Mary Kate: Dogen, Ashes do not follow fire, and I've begun to suspect that enlightenment and zazen have the same relationship.
Sensei: Do you hear his answer?
Mary Kate: He said we could just as well be out there riding horses.
Sensei: Immediately you hit the ground; Kobun's horse is the first one. There is a life of fire that arises from collecting all ashes, creating order.