Zen Master Dogen taught that it is rather easy to lay down one’s own life, and cut off one’s flesh, hands, or feet in an emotional outburst. Considering worldly affairs, we see many people do such things even for the sake of attachment to fame and personal profit. Yet it is most difficult to harmonize the mind, meeting various things and situations moment by moment. A student of the Way must cool her mind as if she were giving up her life, and consider if what she is about to say or do is in accordance with reality or not. If it is, she should say or do it.