There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.

Meditation practice isn't about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better. It's about befriending who we are already.

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

You are the master of your own mind. You can be your best friend or your worst enemy.

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

The technique of self-observation is the technique of observing the reality about oneself at the experiential level.

Every small positive change we make in ourselves repays us in confidence in the future.

In true vipassana practice, there is no room for likes and dislikes. There is only observation.

Zen proposes its solution by directly appealing to facts of personal experience and not to book-knowledge.

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

Meditation is the ultimate mobile device; you can use it anywhere, anytime, unobtrusively.

Hasten slowly and you will soon arrive.

The root of all mind is your own present pure awareness. Rest in that essence without seeking elsewhere.

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

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.

The true understanding is that the practice itself is enlightenment.

If you want to climb a mountain, begin at the top.

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

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

Words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world.

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

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

The archer ceases to be conscious of himself as the one who is engaged in hitting the bull's-eye which confronts him. This state of unconsciousness is realized only when, completely empty and rid of the self, he becomes one with the perfecting of his technical skill.

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

The dharma is not in the books. If you want to find the dharma, look in your mind.

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.

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

In my youth I studied, in my prime I practiced, now all my doubts are cleared.

The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Hope and fear come from feeling that we lack something; they come from a sense of poverty. We can't simply relax with ourselves. We hold on to hope, and hope robs us of the present moment.

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

Meditation is not about getting away from it all. It's about getting into it all.

Panic, anxiety, and stress are not obstacles to the practice. They are the path to wisdom and compassion.

The willingness to empty ourselves and then seek our true nature is an expression of great and courageous love.

We don't set out to save the world; we set out to wonder how other people are doing and to reflect on how our actions affect other people's hearts.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.

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. If you let go completely, you will have complete peace.

Anger or hatred is like a fisherman's hook. It is very important for us to ensure that we are not caught by it.

Don't think that only sitting with the eyes closed is practice. If you do think this way, then quickly change your thinking.

The way to change others' minds is with affection, and not anger.

When you note pain, you should not dwell on the thought, "I feel pain." Simply recognize the presence of pain.

If you want to understand suffering, you must look into the situation at hand. The teachings say that wherever a problem arises it must be settled right there.

Forgiveness means giving up all hope for a better past.

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

Zazen is not step-by-step meditation. Rather it is simply the easy and pleasant practice of a Buddha, the realization of the Buddha's Wisdom.

When dharma fills your body and mind, you realize that something is missing.

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

It is never too late to turn on the light.

In meditation, we're not trying to get rid of thoughts but to recognize their true nature.

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

Compassion is a verb.

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

Meditation is not about stopping thoughts, but recognizing that we are not our thoughts.

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

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

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

The ultimate purpose of Buddhism is to serve and benefit humanity.

The practice of mindfulness leads naturally to concentration. Concentration leads naturally to wisdom.

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

The spiritual journey begins with the recognition that beneath our surface happiness there lies a deep inner pain.