The essence of Buddhism is not a belief system but a systematic investigation of our experience.

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.

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

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

Compassion is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength.

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 practice of vipassana is the study of the self. When you study physical and mental phenomena, you are studying the truth about yourself.

Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.

The Buddha's teaching is a teaching of self-reliance, of being one's own master, one's own refuge.

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

The law of nature is the law of cause and effect. As you sow, so shall you reap.

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

The more you meditate, the more you understand yourself and the better friend you become to yourself.

Each moment of mindfulness is a moment of purification.

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

The way to change the world is to change your own mind.

Live in joy, in love, even among those who hate. Live in joy, in health, even among the afflicted. Live in joy, in peace, even among the troubled. Look within, be still.

Compassion is not mere sentiment but a powerful force that can transform both ourselves and others.

Time passes unhindered. When we make ourselves better, we make the world better.

Meditation is the road to happiness.

Concentration develops naturally through continuous noting. Don't try to force concentration to arise.

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

Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.

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

The obstacle is the path.

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

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

When things fall apart and we're on the verge of we know not what, the test of each of us is to stay on that brink and not concretize.

The Buddha's teaching is not a philosophical system but a practical guide to living.

The view is like a lion - it cannot be led around by anything else. Meditation is like an eagle - it cannot be distracted by anything else. Action is like a madman - it is free from accepting and rejecting.

The truth of Zen is the truth of life, and life means to live, to move, to act, not merely to reflect.

Faith is not a commodity that you either have or don't have - it is an inner quality that unfolds as we learn to trust our own deepest experience.

The Buddha's teaching is not about belief but about investigation, not about accepting but about examining.

The treasure house within you contains everything, and you are free to use it. You don't need to seek outside.

The practice of mindfulness begins in the small, remote cave of your unconscious mind and blossoms with the sunlight of your conscious life.

Concentration is a cornerstone of mindfulness practice. Your mindfulness will only be as robust as your capacity to ground your attention in the present moment.

The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.

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

The path is not about perfecting ourselves, but about perfecting our love.

True peace comes not from controlling the world, but from letting go of control.

In the end, just three things matter: How well we have lived, how well we have loved, how well we have learned to let go.

The first step toward faith is to admit that we don't know everything.

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

Meditation is not about getting rid of thoughts; it's about changing the way we relate to them.

My religion is to live and die without regret.

The rising and falling of the abdomen is not the main object. The main object is to develop mindfulness, concentration, and insight.

If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything.

Every thought, every word, and every action leaves an imprint on our mind.

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.

True happiness is not found through the multiplication of desires but through their simplification.

The more clearly you see the arising and passing of phenomena, the less you will be attached to them.

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

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

Do everything with a mind that lets go. Don't accept praise or gain or anything else. If you let go a little, you will have a little peace; if you let go a lot, you will have a lot of peace.

The true purpose of Zen is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes.

Don't expect or desire anything. Just keep noting whatever arises in the present moment.

The path is not about moving from one place to another. It's about recognizing where we already are.

The practice of Dharma is a constant battle within oneself.

Let go of what has passed. Let go of what may come. Let go of what is happening now. Don't try to figure anything out. Don't try to make anything happen. Relax, right now, and rest.