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 goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.

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

Every moment of mindfulness is a step on the path to liberation. Each step is valuable, no matter how small.

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

Just observe whatever arises. Don't try to create anything, and don't reject anything.

The most profound meditation is to think nothing at all.

Where is the place that your original face has not yet emerged?

The essence of bravery is being without self-deception.

Devotion is the head of meditation, as is often said. When you are inspired by some spiritual teacher, you can have a very strong connection with that person, and thereby the blessings can enter.

Compassion is the radicalism of our time.

The only way to experience truth is to look within, to observe oneself.

Wisdom arises when you see the true characteristics of phenomena through direct experience.

We need the courage to learn from our experience and the wisdom to be willing to change and grow.

Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves - slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.

Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.

When you note pain, you are not trying to make it go away. You are trying to understand its true nature.

Each of you is perfect the way you are... and you can use a little improvement.

The dharma wheel turns from the beginning. There is neither excess nor deficiency. The whole universe is moistened with nectar, and the truth is ready to harvest.

The best way to solve a problem is to help someone else solve their problem.

The development of insight is gradual, but the realization of truth is sudden.

No valid plans for the future can be made by those who have no capacity for living now.

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

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

Insight knowledge comes from direct experience, not from intellectual understanding.

The practice of meditation requires both energy and patience, both effort and relaxation.

Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.

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

When we recognize that our thoughts are just thoughts, we can choose whether or not to follow them.

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.

The mind has first to be attuned to the Unconscious.

Open your arms to change, but don't let go of your values.

Don't be afraid of the future. The future is good.

The truth of suffering is not to be feared but to be understood through direct observation.

Each breath is a new beginning, a fresh opportunity to awaken.

Meditation is not an escape from life but a way to fully engage with life.

Treat every moment as your last. It is not preparation for something else.

Face your own anger and you will be free from anger. Face your own fears and you will be free from fear.

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

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

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

Moment after moment, completely devote yourself to listening to your inner voice.

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

The noting mind and the object noted appear to occur as a pair. Through concentration they are seen to arise and vanish together.

Right practice is steady practice. Whether you feel lazy or diligent, just keep practicing.

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

The purpose of studying Buddhism is not to study Buddhism, but to study ourselves.

The mind is like a room with many windows. Open them all and let the fresh air in.

There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.

The path to liberation requires both understanding and practice, both pariyatti and patipatti.

Mindfulness isn't difficult, we just need to remember to do it.

The practice of mindfulness is the practice of being alive in the present moment.

The practice of metta begins with oneself, for only when we have developed loving-kindness towards ourselves can we truly offer it to others.

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

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

The key to meditation is to recognize the nature of your mind rather than trying to change it.

A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals a secret of hidden treasure.

The Buddha's path is not about becoming somebody different but about becoming more and more who you really are.

The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your actions will be.

In the monastery of your body, the monk of your mind must stay in retreat.