The mind itself is the maker of all happiness and misery; yet beings do not understand this and blame external conditions.

Zazen is not step-by-step meditation. Rather it is simply the easy and pleasant practice of a Buddha, the realization of the Buddha's Wisdom.

Face your own anger and you will be free from anger. Face your own fears and you will be free from fear.

There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.

Panic, anxiety, and stress are not obstacles to the practice. They are the path to wisdom and compassion.

The path of practice moves from faith through understanding to direct realization.

Craving and aversion are the roots of suffering. Observe them with equanimity.

Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.

The development of wisdom requires both study and practice, both learning and direct experience.

The ultimate source of happiness is not money and power, but warm-heartedness.

Whoever told you that practice and enlightenment are separate?

The water in the ocean can be rough or calm. It can be clear or murky. But the water itself doesn't mind.

In the gap between thoughts, nonconceptual wisdom shines continuously.

We do not "come into" this world; we come out of it, as leaves from a tree.

The sign of wisdom is constant joy.

Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future.

The perfect moment is this one, not the one you're waiting for.

You will not be punished for your anger; you will be punished by your anger.

Silence is sometimes the best answer.

If you truly loved yourself, you could never hurt another.

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be.

Change is possible because there is nothing inherently permanent about our disturbing emotions.

The Buddha taught that wealth does not bring happiness and security. The pursuit of wealth is a matter of living in balance.

The source of love is deep in us and we can help others realize a lot of happiness. One word, one action, one thought can reduce another person's suffering and bring that person joy.

The purpose of meditation is not to create a new state of mind, but to recognize what is already present.

There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. Even though you read much Zen literature, you must read each sentence with a fresh mind.

The trouble is, you think you have time.

Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.

Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone.

What we learn about the world is colored by the way we approach it.

We should find perfect existence through imperfect existence.

Whatever precious jewel there is in the heavenly worlds, there is nothing comparable to one who is awakened.

Loving-kindness is not something we need to manufacture. It's a natural expression of our awakened nature.