Meaning: This quote, attributed to the renowned Zen master Dogen Zenji, encapsulates the essence of Zen Buddhism by drawing a profound connection between nature and spirituality. Dogen Zenji was a 13th-century Japanese monk and founder of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism, known for his extensive writings and teachings on meditation, enlightenment, and the integration of Zen practice into everyday life. His poetic and evocative language in this quote reflects the Zen philosophy of finding the sacred in the ordinary and recognizing the interconnectedness of all things.

The first part of the quote, "The color of the mountains is Buddha's body," invites us to contemplate the majestic and timeless presence of the mountains as a manifestation of the Buddha's physical form. In Zen Buddhism, the concept of Buddha nature permeates all phenomena, suggesting that the mountains, with their enduring and unyielding nature, embody the essence of enlightenment. This perspective encourages practitioners to perceive the natural world not merely as an external environment, but as an expression of the divine or awakened nature.

The second part of the quote, "the sound of running water is his great speech," further deepens the connection between nature and spiritual realization. The flowing, rhythmic sound of water is likened to the Buddha's teachings and wisdom, which have the power to cleanse and purify the mind. In Zen practice, the act of listening mindfully to the sounds of nature, such as running water, can serve as a meditation practice, leading to a heightened awareness and a sense of interconnectedness with the universe.

Dogen Zenji's profound insight in this quote reflects the Zen tradition's emphasis on direct experience and the integration of spiritual practice with everyday life. By perceiving the color of the mountains as Buddha's body and the sound of running water as his great speech, Dogen invites us to recognize the sacred in the ordinary, to find spiritual nourishment in the natural world, and to cultivate a deep sense of reverence and gratitude for the interconnected web of existence.

This quote also encapsulates Dogen's emphasis on non-duality, the idea that the apparent divisions between self and other, sacred and mundane, are illusory. In the context of the quote, the mountains, the water, and the Buddha are not separate entities but interconnected aspects of a unified whole. This echoes the fundamental Zen teaching of the interdependence and impermanence of all phenomena, encouraging practitioners to transcend dualistic thinking and awaken to the seamless unity of existence.

In summary, Dogen Zenji's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the profound wisdom that can be found in the natural world and the interconnectedness of all things. It invites us to cultivate a sense of reverence and appreciation for the beauty and richness of the world around us, while also pointing to the timeless truths of Zen philosophy. Through his poetic language, Dogen Zenji encourages us to see the mountains and hear the running water with fresh eyes and open hearts, recognizing them as gateways to spiritual awakening and realization.