If you are unable to find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it?
To escape from the world means that one’s mind is not concerned with the opinions of the world.
Only those who have the great capacity of genuine trust can enter this realm [the realm of the buddhas]. Those who have no trust are unable to accept it, however much they hear it.
Know that the true dharma emerges of itself [during the practice of zazen], clearing away hindrances and distractions.
One must be deeply aware of the impermanence of the world.
A fool sees himself as another, but a wise man sees others as himself.
Your body is like a dew-drop on the morning grass, your life is as brief as a flash of lightning. Momentary and vain, it is lost in a moment. (From ‘Fukan zazengi’)
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.
Nothing can be gained by extensive study and wide reading. Give them up immediately.
When you paint Spring, do not paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots, but just paint Spring. To paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots is to paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots – it is not yet painting Spring.
To enter the Buddha Way is to stop discriminating between good and evil and to cast aside the mind that says this is good and that is bad.
Every man possesses the Buddha-nature. Do not demean yourselves.