Hakuin Quotes

Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1768), the most influential master of Japanese Rinzai Zen, revitalized the tradition through his emphasis on koan practice. Known for his painting and calligraphy, he is credited with creating the famous koan "What is the sound of one hand clapping?"

Your own treasure house contains everything you need; why search outside?
Hakuin
Intrinsically all living beings are Buddhas, just as ice and water are of the same substance.
Hakuin
The eye with which I see Buddha is the same eye with which Buddha sees me.
Hakuin
When walking, just walk. When sitting, just sit. Above all, don't wobble.
Hakuin
If you want to climb a mountain, begin at the top.
Hakuin
The silence between the notes is as important as the notes themselves.
Hakuin
Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks.
Hakuin
When you realize how perfect everything is, you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky.
Hakuin
The mind is like a well-forged sword - it adapts to all situations.
Hakuin
The treasure house within you contains everything, and you are free to use it. You don't need to seek outside.
Hakuin
Not knowing how near the truth is, we seek it far away.
Hakuin
Buddhas and ordinary beings are not two. Enlightenment and delusion are not different paths.
Hakuin
The true path is not difficult; just avoid picking and choosing.
Hakuin
The farther you enter into truth, the deeper it is.
Hakuin
To see nothing is to perceive the Way, and to understand nothing is to know the Dharma.
Hakuin
The mind of the past is ungraspable; the mind of the future is ungraspable; the mind of the present is ungraspable.
Hakuin
Everybody has the light of Buddha within, but they don't look for it.
Hakuin
The Buddha and all sentient beings are nothing but expressions of the one mind. There is nothing else.
Hakuin
The instant you speak about a thing, you miss the mark.
Hakuin
Should you desire the great tranquility, prepare to sweat white beads.
Hakuin