[blockquote source=”Dōgen Zenji”]”Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken. Although its light is wide and great, the moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide. The whole moon and the entire sky are reflected in dewdrops on the grass, or even in one drop of water.

Enlightenment does not divide you, just as the moon does not break the water. You cannot hinder enlightenment, just as a drop of water does not hinder the moon in the sky.”[/blockquote]

Perhaps, one of my most favorite passages from the Genjo Koan, one which speaks directly to the very nature of enlightenment.

That is to say, at any given moment in time – we are both a reflection of the entirety of this universe, and yet still our essence is unchanged. Like the dew drop, we are enhanced by the gloriousness of the moon, enriched by the striking beauty which pierces the evening sky.

But, never once do we attempt to become the moon – rather, we are somehow ‘greater’ as a result of having experienced it.

An awareness such as this is effortless once the obstruction of ego is removed.

[blockquote source=”Unknown”]“If you succeed in freeing the moon hidden inside you, it will light-up the sky and he earth, and its light will chase away all the shadows of the universe. If you realize that one thing, you will understand everything. You and all will be as one.”[/blockquote]

Can you feel its simplicity? This gentle reflection which neither impacts, nor modifies all that is pulled into view?

And, allowing us to become ‘one’ with the limitlessness of our experiences.

In peace, love and equanimity, my dears – and on this day, I wish you all of the blessings contained in a single moment of ‘waking up.’