Compassion is not something we develop. It arises naturally as we see the truth of what is.

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

When we rest in awareness, we discover a peace that is always present, regardless of circumstances.

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

The path to liberation is a gradual path of self-discipline, self-development, and self-transformation.

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

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

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

Conquer anger with non-anger. Conquer evil with good. Conquer stinginess with giving. Conquer deceit with truth.

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.

Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It's a relationship between equals.

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

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

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

Karma is not fate but the law of moral causation, showing us that we are the architects of our own destiny.

Compassion is the radicalism of our time.

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

The silence between the notes is as important as the notes themselves.

If in our daily life we can smile, if we can be peaceful and happy, not only we, but everyone will profit from it. This is the most basic kind of peace work.

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

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few.

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

At the bottom of great doubt lies great awakening. If you doubt fully, you will awaken fully.

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

Genuine happiness comes from having developed basic human qualities, such as attention, emotional balance, and generosity.

Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past could have been any different.

Mindfulness is not just bare attention but wise attention that leads to understanding and insight.

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

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

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

When we develop patience, we find that we develop a reserve of calm and tranquility.

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

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 measure of success in spiritual life is how peaceful you are.

The practice is like peeling an onion. Layer after layer of delusion is removed through continuous mindfulness.

The force of the kindness of others is so strong, we can't possibly measure it.

Not by hatred is hatred conquered, but by love alone. This is an eternal law.

Ethical conduct is not a constraint upon our freedom but a condition of our freedom.

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.

The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.

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

The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive.

The more you give, the more you have. That's the economics of kindness.

Faith is the firm foundation, diligence the supporting pillar, and wisdom the roof of the house of practice.

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

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

When we look directly at our thoughts, they dissolve like bubbles in water.

Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule.

The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy.

True love is not for the faint-hearted.

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.

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.

The only thing that we truly have control over is our attitude toward experience.

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

The practice is simply this: keep coming back to your breath during the day. This will give your mind a steadiness and your life a balance.

The perfect moment is this one, not the one you're waiting for.

We can learn to be present with whatever is happening in our lives, and in this way, we can begin to transform our relationship to difficulty.

The Buddha taught us to leave alone the things that don't lead to awakening.

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 practice of mindfulness is simple: whatever you experience, you observe and note it.