Nothing we see or hear is perfect. But right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.

The true person is not anyone in particular. But like the deep blue color of the limitless sky, it is everyone, everywhere in the world.

To be in harmony with the wholeness of things is not to have anxiety over imperfection.

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

The ocean does not reject any water; therefore it is great. The mountain does not select its stones; therefore it is great.

If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?

When you find your place where you are, practice occurs, actualizing the fundamental point.

Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water. The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.

Life and death are of supreme importance. Time swiftly passes by and opportunity is lost. Each of us should strive to awaken. Awaken! Take heed, do not squander your life.

Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself.

When you see forms or hear sounds fully engaging body-and-mind, you intuit dharma intimately.

When you walk in the mist, you get wet.

Even if you speak of 'understanding,' this understanding is not a matter of knowledge. It is what fills the entire body and mind.

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.

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

Just as parents care for their children, you should bear in mind the whole universe.

To what shall I compare this life? It is like a boat that left at dawn, leaving no trace.

A flower falls, even though we love it; and a weed grows, even though we do not love it.

Do not think you will necessarily be aware of your own enlightenment.

To forget the self is to be actualized by myriad things.