We have ancient habits to deal with, vast structures of power, indescribably complicated problems to solve. But unless we abdicate our humanity altogether and succumb to fear and impotence in the presence of the weapons we have ourselves created, it is as possible and as urgent to put an end to war and violence between nations as it is to put an end to poverty and racial injustice.
To have everything is to possess nothing.
This is the way of Zen, not to say things to their completion. This has to be understood; it is a very important methodology. Not to say everything means to give an opportunity to the listener to complete it.
All answers are incomplete. The master has only given you a direction... By the time you reach the limit, you will know what is going to remain. This way, if somebody is trying to understand Zen intellectually he will fail. It is not an answer to the question but something more than the answer. It is indicating the very reality....
The buddha nature is not something far away - your very consciousness is buddha nature. And your consciousness can witness these things which constitute the world. The world will end but the mirror will remain, mirroring nothing.
You just look around, look into the eyes of a child, or into the eyes of your beloved, your mother, your friend - or just feel a tree. Have you ever hugged a tree? Hug a tree, and one day you will come to know that it is not only that you have hugged the tree but that the tree also responds, the tree also hugs you. Then for the first time you will be able to know that the tree is not just the form, it is not just a certain species the botanists talk about, it is an unknown God - so green in your courtyard, so full of flowers in your courtyard, so close to you, beckoning you, calling you again and again.
In theory there is a possibility of perfect happiness: To believe in the indestructible element within one, and not to strive towards it.
You are the only person on earth who can use your ability.
Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.
The beauty seen is partly in him who sees it.
Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity.
There is no greater teacher than ones own practical example. To be really benevolent therefore means that I must first change, then I have the power, the knowledge and the experience of thinking and doing for the ultimate benefit of all.
Determination brings the strength to continue, the steadiness to succeed, and the wisdom to slip past difficulties undisturbed.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.
You train people how to treat you by how you treat yourself.
Honour is a good brooch to wear in a man's hat at all times
Once you have surrendered completely to God, you experience for the first time absolute freedom from the worries, problems and ills of this world. You can be happy and even laugh in apparent adversity. Whatever is happening is a game, God's game and you play your part and enjoy it.
