I came across a quote about Japanese philosophy from a Buddhist priest named Dōgen but I can't find the source. I was wondering if anyone could help provide a proper source to prove it's a true quote.

by byf_43

Hi all,

I like watching a YouTube channel called "Man at Arms". They reproduce famous, traditional edged weapons like swords and knives and etc, and use traditional techniques to create the modern reproductions. They typically recreate weapons from famous movies.

One particular episode deals with the Hattori Hanzo katana from Kill Bill and it's super awesome. At one point the blacksmith quotes something he only attributes to someone named, simply, Dōgen. The quote is as follows: "When we let things convey unto us, that is true artistic expression. But when we try to convey ourselves onto things, that is delusion."

I've done a lot of Google searching to find the source of this quote, but nothing comes up except for random gaming forums, Tumblr, Reddit and blogs who quote it as their signature. Sure it's a really compelling quote but I can't seem to find the actual source from where it comes.

I was able to find a Wikipedia article about the author in question but if this quote is truly attributed to him, you'd think it wouldn't be hard to find a source. And yet, I can't find any reliable connection between his name, and said quote in any work that is attributed to him.

I was wondering if anyone could help me either figure out where this quote came from, or if it's some internet delusion. Thanks so much for any help.

Qweniden

Dogen has a voluminous amount of writing so there may be something Im not aware of, but this section of the Genjokoan comes to mind:

To carry the self forward and illuminate myriad things is delusion. That myriad things come forth and illuminate the self is awakening. Those who have great realization of delusion are buddhas; those who are greatly deluded about realization are sentient beings. Further, there are those who continue realizing beyond realization, who are in delusion throughout delusion. When buddhas are truly buddhas, they do not necessarily notice that they are buddhas. However, they are actualized buddhas, who go on actualizing buddha.

source: http://www.thezensite.com/ZenTeachings/Dogen_Teachings/GenjoKoan8.htm

Its not too close to the quote you have above but this is one of Dogen's most famous works and one in which he talks about delusion.