What makes men more precious than women? Emptiness is emptiness, the four elements are the four elements, the five aggregates are the five aggregates. It’s the same for men and women, and both can achieve enlightenment. This is why we must respect and honor them both when they have obtained the Law, and not argue that they are male or female. This is the principle of the supreme and marvelous Buddhist Way.
Dogen – Raihai-tokuzui – 1240 – Quoted in Trois leçons de zen, Gallimard