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

The practice of mindfulness is simply to bring awareness to what we are doing, what we are saying, and what we are thinking.

The goal of meditation is not to achieve a blank mind, but to gain insight into the nature of mind itself.

Mindfulness is the key to transformation. It enables us to see our experience as it really is, free from distortion and bias.

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

Do not mistake understanding for realization, and do not mistake realization for liberation.

As surely as there is a voyage away, there is a journey home.

Personal experience is everything in Zen. No ideas are intelligible to those who have no backing of experience.

Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.

The practice of mindfulness transforms the mind from a place of suffering into an instrument of enlightenment.

The trick is to keep exploring and not bail out, even when we find out that something is not what we thought.

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

Maintain the state of undistractedness and distractions will fly away.

The everyday practice is simply to develop complete acceptance and openness to all situations and emotions.

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.

Mind training is based on the idea that two opposite mental factors cannot happen at the same time.

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

When we get too caught up in the busyness of the world, we lose connection with one another – and ourselves.

External seeking only leads to exhaustion. When you imitate others, you lose your own authenticity.

This is the real secret of life -- to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play.

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

Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.

If you want to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be miserable, expect something in return.

The stages of insight unfold naturally when mindfulness is continuous. There is no need to desire them or try to make them happen.

Ardently do today what must be done. Who knows? Tomorrow, death comes.

The three characteristics - impermanence, suffering, and non-self - are not philosophical concepts but aspects of experience to be directly observed.

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.

Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment.

The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.

The goal of meditation is not to reach some highest place, but to remain in the place where you already are.

Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.

Panic is a gateway to wisdom. When we learn to stay present with our panic, it becomes our teacher.

When you practice zazen you should not try to attain anything. You should just sit in the complete calmness of your mind and not rely on anything.

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

Love is not a feeling. It's a capability.

In a mind clear as still water, even the waves, breaking, are reflecting its light.

The dharma is not outside of you. Looking for it elsewhere is like placing a Buddha on your head while searching for him everywhere else.

Through understanding emptiness, one does not become proud of one's virtues, just as one does not become proud of building a castle in the sky.

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.

True love is not for the faint-hearted.

Mindfulness is the quality and power of mind that is aware of what's happening—without judgment and without interference.

Equanimity is not indifference. It is the balanced mind that sees things clearly without reaction.

Sticking with uncertainty, getting the knack of relaxing in the midst of chaos, learning not to panic—this is the spiritual path.

Like a fine flower, beautiful to look at but without scent, fine words are fruitless in a man who does not act in accordance with them.

Each decision we make, each action we take, is born out of an intention.

The practice of meditation is not about achieving states of bliss but about seeing things as they really are.

Radiate boundless love towards the entire world — above, below, and across — unhindered, without ill will, without enmity.

If it isn't good, let it die. If it doesn't die, make it good.

Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.

The highest truth cannot be taught except through the conventional truth.

Smile, breathe, and go slowly.

When mindfulness and concentration are strong, insight into the three characteristics naturally unfolds.

Whatever we do, we should see ourselves. Reading books doesn't show us our defilements. Watch yourself. Watch your mind.

Rather than letting our negativity get the better of us, we could acknowledge that right now we feel like a piece of shit and not be squeamish about taking a good look.

When both body and mind are at peace, all things appear as they are: perfect, complete, lacking nothing.

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.

Compassion is not just about being kind to others. It's about being kind to ourselves as well.

Our true nature is like a diamond - pure, brilliant, and indestructible. No matter how much dirt covers it, its essential nature remains unchanged.

What you are is what you have been. What you'll be is what you do now.

Meditation is not about achieving anything. It's about letting go of everything.