The practice of Zen mind is beginner's mind. In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.

Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible be found in us.

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

The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.

The force of the kindness of others is so strong, we can't possibly measure it.

Zen is not necessarily against words, but it is well aware of their limitations.

Life is glorious, but life is also wretched. It is both. Appreciating the gloriousness inspires us, encourages us, cheers us up, gives us a bigger perspective, energizes us. We feel connected. But if that's all that's happening, we get arrogant and start to look down on others, and there is a sense of making ourselves a big deal and being really serious about it, wanting it to be like that forever. The gloriousness becomes tinged by craving and addiction. On the other hand, wretchedness--life's painful aspect--softens us up considerably. Knowing pain is a very important ingredient of being there for another person.

Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile.

The essence of meditation is not something complicated or exotic. It is simply taking a break from our habitual patterns.

In meditation, we're not trying to get rid of thoughts but to recognize their true nature.

Just as a mother would protect her only child with her life, even so let one cultivate a boundless love towards all beings.

The mind is the forerunner of all things. Our present life is the result of our past thoughts, and our future life will be the result of our present thoughts.

Mindfulness is the gentle effort to be continuously present with experience.

The deepest form of happiness comes from discovering the natural peace of our own awareness.

Mindfulness helps us get better at seeing the difference between what's happening and the stories we tell ourselves about what's happening.

To carry yourself forward and experience myriad things is delusion. That myriad things come forth and experience themselves is awakening.

The grass is greener where you water it.

The yogi's joy is in the solitude of mountains, where all distractions naturally dissolve into emptiness.

The four foundations of mindfulness are not separate practices but different aspects of the same practice of clear awareness.

In our struggle for freedom, truth is the only weapon we possess.

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away.

When you walk in the mist, you get wet.

Wisdom says we are nothing. Love says we are everything. Between these two our life flows.

Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

Looking for peace is like looking for a turtle with a mustache: you won't be able to find it. But when your heart is ready, peace will come looking for you.

We don't set out to save the world; we set out to wonder how other people are doing and to reflect on how our actions affect other people's hearts.

The most important point is to accept yourself and stand on your two feet.

The precious pot containing my riches becomes my teacher in the very moment it breaks.

Short moments, many times. That is the essence of meditation practice.

The practice is not about achieving special states but about seeing ordinary experience with extraordinary clarity.

The zazen I speak of is not meditation practice. It is simply the dharma gate of joyful ease.

Trees, mountains, and vines all exist in nature according to their own truth. They are born and die following their nature. They remain this way because that's what they are. They don't practice meditation or do anything special.