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.

The idea of Zen is to catch life as it flows. There is nothing extraordinary or mysterious about Zen. I raise my hand; I take a book from the other side of the desk; I hear the boys playing ball outside my window; I see the clouds blown away beyond the neighboring wood: all these I do in Zen.

In the moment of pure noting, there is no self - only the knowing and the known.

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

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

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

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

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.

Life is nothing but a continuous chain of sensations. Pleasant or unpleasant, observe them objectively.

The difference between misery and happiness depends on what we do with our attention.

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.

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

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

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

Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it.

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

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

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

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

If you love someone, the greatest gift you can give them is your presence.

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

The key to transformation is not to fight with our experience but to open to it with awareness.

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

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.

Every moment is a fresh beginning. Every breath is a new chance.

Our basic nature is pure awareness that simply cognizes experience. Everything else is temporary and adventitious.

The awareness that you are here, right now, is the ultimate fact.

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

Every experience is an opportunity to practice awareness.

The art of living... is neither careless drifting on the one hand nor fearful clinging to the past on the other. It consists in being sensitive to each moment, in regarding it as utterly new and unique, in having the mind open and wholly receptive.

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

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.

One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.

Breathing in, there is only the present moment. Breathing out, it is a wonderful moment.

Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while one is peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.

Mindfulness is the key to the present moment. Without it we cannot see the world clearly, and we cannot make the wisest choices in our lives.

The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.

The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment.

Smile, breathe, and go slowly.

When mindfulness is weak, defilements are strong; when mindfulness is strong, defilements are weak.

When you see forms or hear sounds fully engaging body-and-mind, you intuit dharma intimately.

Awareness is the basis, or what you might call the "support," of the mind. It is steady and unchanging, like the pole to which the flag of ordinary consciousness is attached.

There are many ways to meditate. But at the heart of them all is mindfulness.

The color of the mountains is Buddha's body; the sound of running water is his great speech.

Study the Buddha's teaching which is present in every moment.

Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile.

When you note effectively, there is no time for defilements to arise. The mind becomes pure through noting.

Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay.

Mindfulness helps us get better at seeing the difference between what's happening and the stories we tell ourselves about what's happening.

The more precisely you note, the more clearly you understand. The more clearly you understand, the stronger your insight becomes.

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

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

When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.

People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth.

Time passes unhindered. When we make mistakes, we cannot turn the clock back and try again. All we can do is use the present well.

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.

Try to be mindful and let things take their natural course. Then your mind will become still in any surroundings, like a clear forest pool.

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

Sensations are not your enemy. They are your teacher. Through observing them, you understand the truth of existence.

When you do something, you should burn yourself completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself.