"You should study not only that you become a mother when your child is born, but also that you become a child"

This quote by Dogen, a revered Japanese Zen master, offers extensive insights into the transformative nature of parenthood, particularly motherhood. On the surface area, the quote suggests that childbirth is a double transformation: the mom not just brings a child into the world however also goes through a rebirth of her own identity. At a much deeper level, Dogen suggests that ending up being a parent is not a one-sided procedure where a mom simply assumes a supporting role; it is equally a chance for development and learning, akin to accepting a child's perspective.

By saying "you end up being a child", Dogen encourages moms to welcome qualities generally related to children, such as curiosity, openness, and a sense of wonder. This viewpoint welcomes mothers to review the world with fresh eyes, to explore and find out together with their children. Being a parent ends up being a mutual journey where both mom and kid influence and teach each other. The mother-child relationship thus becomes a shared adventure, where both people browse the complexities of life together.

Additionally, the quote underscores the idea of mutual dependence and shared vulnerability. Just as a child depends upon a mom for guidance and care, a mom likewise opens herself to the vulnerabilities and unpredictabilities of discovering anew. This vibrant difficulties the traditional understanding of motherhood as a purely reliable or explanatory role, providing instead a vision of motherhood defined by humbleness and mutual discovery.

Highlighting this reciprocity aligns well with Zen Buddhism's teachings on interconnectedness and the non-dual nature of presence. By inviting moms to embody both functions, Dogen is advocating for a holistic view of individual development, embracing modification, and acknowledging the interconnected development of oneself and one's offspring. This paradigm fosters a more egalitarian relationship based upon shared experiences and empathy, adding to a much deeper, more meaningful familial bond.