Attending an introductory session of the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, I was deeply moved by an evening verse they shared at the end. Though I practice Zen, it’s not a verse I’d heard before.

It’s widely attributed to Dōgen Zenji, though I couldn’t find the source.

Here are two versions (presumably translations) of his powerful words.

Let me respectfully remind you:
Life and death are of supreme importance
Time passes swiftly and opportunity is lost
Let us awaken, awaken – take heed.
Do not squander your life.

 

Let me respectfully remind you:
Life and death are of supreme importance.
Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost.
Each of us should strive to wake up.
Wake up!—take heed—
Do not squander your life.