Quotes about Zen

The secret of zen is just two words: not... always... so. Votes: 4

A zen couch potato is a person who contemplates the nature of televised existence. Votes: 4

Here it is ... your moment of zen. Votes: 3

A zen master's life is one continuous mistake. Votes: 3

If you say you had a zen moment, you already didn't. Votes: 3

I learned that you can stand up for yourself and still maintain your zen! Votes: 3

The only zen thoughts you can find on a mountain summit are those you brought yourself. Votes: 3

To these Teachers of Zen; you want a zafu cushion? sit your zen ass on a bicycle Votes: 3

When mind and action are separate, zen is lost. We keep the two in sync by paying attention. Votes: 3

My blogging life is basically goalless. I like the zen nature of that, and paradoxically, it improves results. Votes: 3

I feel I'm pretty zen and laid back. I don't have a lot of rage in my real life. Votes: 3

I feel much more comfortable either up in a tree, or underwater. That's where I feel the most zen. Votes: 3

It's a kind of zen question: if you write a book and no one reads it, is it really a book? Votes: 3

The emphasis is on meditation in Tantric Zen. The experience of meditation in formal practice, zazen, where you're sitting down and meditating and concentrating. Votes: 3

The whole zen attitude is to bring to your notice the fact that there is no effort to be made. The zen attitude is that of effortlessness. Votes: 3

For me, whenever I'm physical it spins my mind and whenever there's a lot going on I put my gloves on or I wrestle somebody and I feel zen. Votes: 3

Sports and athletics can be a path in Zen, in concordance with daily practice of zazen meditation. You need to move with your spirit, not just with your body. Votes: 3

In zen, it is a cardinal sin to waste time. To waste time is to squander the here and now, which, if you think about it, is all that we have. Votes: 3

Tantric Zen is all about the practice of zazen meditation. If you meditate well, you'll be in very powerful states of mind and then it really doesn't matter what you do. Votes: 3

If you want to study Zen, you should forget all your previous ideas and just practice zazen and see what kind of experience you have in your practice. That is naturalness. Votes: 3

When you've done the technical part, you're then into the joy, the zen, into being. Technology no longer exists for you. You're then into the mystery of the thing you're doing. Votes: 3

I'm very much a homebody so once I have my home set up how I want it, that's my zen, my comfy little nest where I drink my wine and watch my Netflix. Votes: 3

When we put our keys down, we should be conscious of putting them down. When we pick them up, we should be conscious of picking them up. That's all there is to zen. Votes: 3

Commander, I always used to consider that you had a definite anti-authoritarian streak in you." "Sir?" "It seems that you have managed to retain this even though you are authority." "Sir?" "That's practically zen. Votes: 3

To these Teachers of Zen; you want a zafu cushion? sit your zen ass on a bicycle seat and peddle into hurricane wind for 8 hours at your max effort; there is your ENGAGED ZEN! Votes: 3

In Zen you practice zazen, mindfulness and other forms of introspection to find out who you are and what you want, to balance your spirit, develop willpower, increase your sense of humor and gain wisdom. Votes: 3

I am not a big technology person. I don't go on the Internet really much at all. Drawing is like a zen thing; it's private, which in this day and age is harder to come by. Votes: 3

Just so we're clear, I'm not zen by any stretch of the imagination. However, what I've read about change being the only constant is a concept that I can grab onto and have used quite a lot. Votes: 3

Not Christian or Jew or Muslim, not Hindu, Buddhist, Sufi or zen. Not any religion or cultural system. I am not of the East, nor of the West.... My place is placeless, a trace of the traceless. Votes: 3

Zen is not a particular state but the normal state: silent, peaceful, unagitated. In Zazen neither intention, analysis, specific effort nor imagination take place. It's enough just to be without hypocrisy, dogmatism, arrogance - embracing all opposites. Votes: 3

I always take kind of a zen view of casting and I really don't remember people who passed. I kind of turn it over to the universe and figure, 'Wow, I guess that wasn't meant to be.' It doesn't sit with me. Votes: 3

The entrance into Zen is the grasping of one's essential nature. It is absolutely impossible, however, to come to a clear understanding of our essential nature by any intellectual or philosophical method. It is accomplished only by the experience of self-realization through zazen. Votes: 3

Did I ever mention I used to be a delivery driver too? I was. I can read a map. What's more, using a brilliant mixture of zen navigation, Aristotelian logic, and pure rage I can get you your package and/or delicious sandwich relatively close to on-time. Votes: 3

Zazen is seated meditation-the opposite of contemplation-the emptying of the mind of all thoughts in order simply to be. In the midst of all evil, not a thought is aroused in the mind-this is called za. Seeing into one's Self-nature, not being moved at all-this is called Zen. Votes: 3

When composing a verse let there not be a hair's breath separating your mind from what you write; composition of a poem must be done in an instant, like a woodcutter felling a huge tree or a swordsman leaping at a dangerous enemy. Votes: 1

When angry, count to Zen. Votes: 0

In Zen we have no gurus. Votes: 0

Zen is poetry; poetry is Zen. Votes: 0

What are you, Zen Master Fang? Votes: 0

Zen is the vehicle of reality. Votes: 0

Zen has no business with ideas. Votes: 0

Zen movement is a meditative practice. Votes: 0

Tantric Zen is a state of mind Votes: 0

Be calm. Be Zen. You are Buddha. Votes: 0

To Zen, time and eternity are one. Votes: 0

I consider writing a legitimate Zen practice. Votes: 0

Zen is the unsymbolization of the world. Votes: 0

Zen is all about self-study/knowledge and self-help! Votes: 0

We teach ourselves; Zen merely points the way. Votes: 0

Years of expensive Zen training gone to waste Votes: 0

For Zen students, a weed is a treasure. Votes: 0

Zen aims at freedom but its practice is disciplined. Votes: 0

Zen Buddhism is a discipline where belief isn't necessary. Votes: 0

Zen is not about eliminating thoughts but illuminating them. Votes: 0

A true Zen saying: "Nothing is what I want. Votes: 0

The purpose of Zen is the perfection of character. Votes: 0

In Tantric Zen it doesn't matter but it does ... . Votes: 0

Old Zen was the reduction of concepts to absurdity. Votes: 0

Zen is everywhere.... But for you, Zen is right here. Votes: 0

There is really only one Zen Master ... and that's yourself. Votes: 0

There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. Votes: 0

Zen has no secrets other than seriously thinking about life and death. Votes: 0

Zen is to have the heart and soul of a little child. Votes: 0

I have lived with several Zen masters -- all of them cats. Votes: 0

This is Zen, and in Zen, as we all know ... anything goes! Votes: 0

Zen values the simple, concrete, living facts of everyday direct personal experience. Votes: 0

What is perfect? From the Zen mind, perfection is not being there. Votes: 0

Zen is...joyous iconoclasm which respects nothing and no one, particularly itself. Votes: 0

In Tantric Zen there is no rule. There is only your immediate experience. Votes: 0

Zen insight is not our awareness, but Being's awareness of itself in us. Votes: 0

The real Zen of the old Chinese masters was wu-shih, or "no fuss." Votes: 0

Zen martini: A martini with no vermouth at all. And no gin, either. Votes: 0

Zen is meditation, the actual experience of life directly, immediately with no buffers. Votes: 0

Zen teaches that our approach to today determines our whole approach to life. Votes: 0

Tantric Zen is the exploration of everything, since everything is a part of enlightenment. Votes: 0

Zen and Buddhism have produced martial arts, because of the Buddhist injunction against weapons. Votes: 0

In a certain sense, Zen is feeling life instead of feeling something about life. Votes: 0

Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine. Votes: 0

Zen is about breaking out of your ideas and experiencing life and not ideas. Votes: 0

Old Zen is the way of nothingness, the way of having a good time. Votes: 0

Working out is my biggest hobby. It's my Zen hour. I just zone out. Votes: 0

Zen phrase says The instant you speak about a thing you miss the mark. Votes: 0

Zen is the period of time during which a person has true clarity of vision. Votes: 0

Children are natural Zen masters; their world is brand new in each and every moment. Votes: 0

Zen is based on the recognition of two incompatible types of thought: rational and intuitive. Votes: 0

Zen Makes use, to a great extent, of poetical expressions; Zen is wedded to poetry. Votes: 0

Zen is a special transmission outside the Canonical Scriptures; it does not depend upon texts. Votes: 0

Zen is consciousness unstructured by particular form or particular system, a trans-cultural, trans-religious, transformed consciousness. Votes: 0

There's a Zen to acting, by being in the moment. That's where the power is. Votes: 0

Zen provides a structure that supports our exploring the practice and the teachings for ourselves. Votes: 0

The practice of Zen is forgetting the self in the act of uniting with something. Votes: 0

Zen masters say you cannot see your reflection in running water, only in still water. Votes: 0

People who practice Zen correctly are not spaced-out or unrealistic. They are balanced and grounded. Votes: 0

Zen culture invites us to experience reality without the intervening distractions of intellect, categories, analysis. Votes: 0

In Japanese art, space assumed a dominant role and its position was strengthened by Zen concepts. Votes: 0

We can see unmistakeably that there is an inner relationship between Zen and the warrior's life. Votes: 0

I feel like I'm being too Zen. I'm inhaling too much patchouli and incense. It's embarrassing. Votes: 0

Tantric Zen, and the people who practice it, of course, make some people feel extremely uncomfortable. Votes: 0

Those who sit perfectly physically usually take more time to obtain the true way of Zen. Votes: 0

Zen pretty much comes down to three things -- everything changes; everything is connected; pay attention. Votes: 0

The renowned seventh-century Zen master Seng-tsan taught that true freedom is being "without anxiety about imperfection. Votes: 0

Smile, breathe and go slowly." - Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Zen monk, author and peace activist. Votes: 0

My look is either very baroque or very Zen "“ everything in between makes me itch. Votes: 0

Zen is like soap. First you wash with it, and then you wash off the soap. Votes: 0

Golf is a spiritual game. It's like Zen. You have to let your mind take over. Votes: 0

Zen, per se, is not just an art, it's not just a religion, it's a realisation. Votes: 0

Zen is the way of splitting the self again and again, untilt there is nothing left. Votes: 0

Zen is the way of splitting the self again and again, untilt there is nothing left. Votes: 0

My look is either very baroque or very Zen - everything in between makes me itch. Votes: 0

Baseball is one of the most beautiful games. It is. It is a very Zen-like game. Votes: 0

When other sects speak well of Zen, the first thing that they praise is its poverty. Votes: 0

In Zen you are learning how to make new realities, to build things inside your mind. Votes: 0

Any good athletic is always in a state of perpetual training, as is the Zen student. Votes: 0

Zen was an attempt to get back to the purest teachings of the Buddha -enlightenment without strings. Votes: 0

Zen approaches it from the practical side of life-that is, to work out Enlightenment in life itself. Votes: 0

In Zen, poverty is voluntary, and considered not really as poverty so much as simplicity, freedom, unclutteredness. Votes: 0

I just had to stay cool. Zen. No punching in the face. Punching would not be Zen. Votes: 0

At my Rolling Stones' tour, the camera was a protection. I used it in a Zen way. Votes: 0

As the old Zen saying reminds us, the finger pointing at the moon is not the moon. Votes: 0

Naturally, the Zen Master Rama philosophy is to have a high state of awareness and material success. Votes: 0

It is necessary to have a very liberal and simultaneously very conservative mentality to practice Tantric Zen. Votes: 0

An old Zen rule of thumb is not to answer until one has been asked three times. Votes: 0

Tantric Zen leads to illumination and fun right here and now, which is why I like it. Votes: 0

According to Zen philosophy each human being has two minds, a finite mind and an infinite mind. Votes: 0

Zen is a very quick path to enlightenment and development of the mind and all its facilities. Votes: 0

I love road trips. You get into this Zen rhythm; throw sense of time out the window. Votes: 0

Zen is very easy! It's like touching your nose when you wash your face in the morning! Votes: 0

The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there. Votes: 0

Zen is the game of insight, the game of discovering who you are beneath the social masks. Votes: 0

Zen students see themselves as athletes. Their competitive sport is enlightenment; only with enlightenment do we compete. Votes: 0

A thief running away like mad from a ferocious watch-dog may be a splendid example of Zen. Votes: 0

Zen students see themselves as athletes. Their competitive sport is enlightenment; only with enlightenment do we compete. Votes: 0

There's something Zen-like about the way I work - it's like raking gravel in a Zen Buddhist garden. Votes: 0

The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there. Votes: 0

In life as well as in art Zen never wastes energy in stopping to explain; it only indicates. Votes: 0

In Tantric Zen you can be humorous and make fun of anything or you can be very serious. Votes: 0

Zen is the path that focuses the most upon meditation. It is almost exclusively a path of meditation. Votes: 0

For Zen students a weed is a treasure. With this attitude, whatever you do, life becomes an art. Votes: 0

I don't know how much you know about Zen, but you'll know less when I'm done with you. Votes: 0

Personal experience, therefore, is everything in Zen. No ideas are intelligible to those who have no backing of experience. Votes: 0

Your immediate experience is Tantric Zen. How aware are you of your immediate experience? - Probably not that aware. Votes: 0

The beauty of Zen is found in simplicity and tranquility, in a sense of the all-embracing harmony of things. Votes: 0

The word impossible contains the word possible' What's that-- some Zen thing?' I think Star Trek. Mr. Spock. Votes: 0

There is a sense of competition in Zen. You are competing with your thoughts and trying to overcome them. Votes: 0

From the Zen view all beings are in the grip of the three poisons, greed, anger and delusion (ignorance). Votes: 0

According to Zen Buddhist cosmology there are ten thousand different states of mind to view and understand life through. Votes: 0

Zen is not interested in high-flown statements; it wants its pupil to bite his apple and not discuss it. Votes: 0

How many Zen masters does it take to screw in a light bulb? The plum tree in the garden! Votes: 0

Zen is the study of mind in all of its manifestations. The purpose of Zen is to be happy. Votes: 0

If Zen has any preference it is for glass that is plain, has no color, and is "just glass." Votes: 0

I'm a Zen Master. I'm an occult teacher. I teach people how to become that, how to be perfect. Votes: 0

I'm a Zen Master. I'm an occult teacher. I teach people how to become that, how to be perfect. Votes: 0

According to Zen Buddhist cosmology there are ten thousand different states of mind to view and understand life through. Votes: 0

Zen practice asks you not to worry about who you 'should' become. Find out who you are right now. Votes: 0

Zen teaches nothing; it merely enables us to wake up and become aware. It does not teach, it points. Votes: 0

The light is already there. In Zen Buddhism there's a little speck of dust on the mirror, and that's us. Votes: 0

If you want to travel the Way of Buddhas and Zen masters, then expect nothing, seek nothing, and grasp nothing. Votes: 0

To remain caught up in ideas and words about Zen is, as the old masters say, to stink of Zen. Votes: 0

Most assuredly Zen is a religion, but it is a religion without scripture, without doctrine or dogma and without sin. Votes: 0

Not thinking about anything is Zen. Once you know this, walking, sitting, or lying down, everything you do is Zen. Votes: 0

The light is already there. In Zen Buddhism there's a little speck of dust on the mirror, and that's us. Votes: 0

Tantric Zen is the awareness of the infinitude of all things. To gain that awareness, to be it, is enlightenment. Votes: 0

In Zen brush-painting, the circle is a master's problem. It represents everything and nothing, and in so doing, the universe. Votes: 0

It's pre-photography, a fossilization of time, Americans have done the Zen garden to death. I wanted to do something different. Votes: 0

To practice Zen Buddhism is to train oneself to eliminate hatred, anger and selfishness and to develop loving-kindness towards all. Votes: 0

Zen is a way of liberation, concerned not with discovering what is good or bad or advantageous, but what is. Votes: 0

Zen professes itself to be the spirit of Buddhism, but in fact it is the spirit of all religions and philosophies, Votes: 0

Psychoanalysis and Zen, in my private psychic geometry, are equal to nicotine. They are anti-existential. Nicotine quarantines one out of existence. Votes: 0

While I had cancer, I wrote these twenty-two personal essays about how I lived my life backed by Zen and writing. Votes: 0

Let me give you a wonderful Zen practice. Wake up in the morning...look in the mirror, and laugh at yourself. Votes: 0

You're not listening to the Zen master, what he is saying outwardly, but even more importantly...what he is saying inwardly. Votes: 0

The Zen expression “Kill the Buddha!— means to kill any concept of the Buddha as something apart from oneself. Votes: 0

I've been in these tabloids for 14 years now, and at some point you just become a Zen master of it all Votes: 0

Zen Buddhism does not preach. Sermons remain words. It waits until people feel stifled and insecure, driven by a secret longing. Votes: 0

Zen is all-inclusive. It never denies, it never says no to anything; it accepts everything and transforms it into a higher reality. Votes: 0

Zen is the fastest method I know of, aside from mysticism, of dissolving the fixations people have about spiritual practice and themselves. Votes: 0

Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while one is peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes. Votes: 0

The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here and you are out there. -Yasutani Roshi, Zen master (1885-1973) Votes: 0

Zen says everything is divine so how can anything be special? All is special. Nothing is non-special so nothing can be special. Votes: 0

Logic presumes a separation of subject from object; therefore logic is not final wisdom.This is Zen. This is my motorcycle maintenance. Votes: 0

Both Zen and mysticsm have this beautiful quality of happiness and laughter, which I think is so necessary in our modern age. Votes: 0

I'm a poet who practices Zen. And it's not, I'm somebody who practices Zen who writes poetry. There's no separation for me. Votes: 0

Zen is the fastest method I know of, aside from mysticism, of dissolving the fixations people have about spiritual practice and themselves. Votes: 0

Throwing away Zen mind is correct Zen mind. Only keep the question, 'What is the best way of helping other people?' Votes: 0

Zen doesn't believe in the reconciliation of opposites because from the point of view of Zen, there is no point of view. Votes: 0

There is no letter of the law to follow in Zen. There is a lot of etiquette, but there are no rules. Votes: 0

The truth of Zen is the truth of life, and life means to live, to move, to act, not merely to reflect. Votes: 0

In Zen the emphasis is on meditation and developing your body, mind and spirit to find inner peace, strength, clarity and enlightenment. Votes: 0

Until we recognize the SELF that exists apart from who we think we are - we cannot know the Ch'an ( ZEN ) MIND Votes: 0

A time of uncertainty, of not knowing exactly where we're headed, or what kind of choice to make is a Zen moment. Votes: 0

Zen is just a lifestyle, your everyday life. It is doing your best at your job, relationships, health, hobbies, and other daily activities! Votes: 0

As the Japanese Zen masters say, “Don't seek the truth; just drop your opinions”. Drop your theories; don't seek the truth. Votes: 0

Zen is influenced by Daoism, which is not so much a nature-religion in the animistic sense as a nature-philosophy in a cosmic sense. Votes: 0

At Patagonia, making a profit is not the goal because the Zen master would say profits happen 'when you do everything else right'. Votes: 0

Zen is Tantric Buddhism, Vajrayana is tantric Buddhism - these are various forms of it. Tantric Buddhism simply means cutting to the chase. Votes: 0

The whole point of Zen is to suspend the rules we have superimposed on things and to see the world as it is Votes: 0

Life, according to Zen, ought to be lived as a bird flies through the air, or as a fish swims in the water. Votes: 0

I have a bit of a struggle with some aspects of or forms of Buddhism, but Zen I find to be mainly congenial. Votes: 0

In the Zen Way we focus upon each breath, each day, each moment and experience it totally. One complete breath brings the next. Votes: 0

In Zen we do everything perfectly. We feel that our outer actions are a reflection of our inner state. We call it mindfulness. Votes: 0

In fact, in many ways my mother was quite hippy-dippy, serving macrobiotic food and reading 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.' Votes: 0

The Zen master walks in his garden, alone. There is no traffic there. There is no shopping there. There are only the flowers. Votes: 0

The Zen master walks in his garden, alone. There is no traffic there. There is no shopping there. There are only the flowers. Votes: 0

The real goal of Zen is to find a way of life that's easy and undramatic. Strong attachments lead to upset and drama. Votes: 0

A Zen master, when asked where he would go after he died, replied, 'To Hell, for that's where help is needed most.' Votes: 0

There is a beautiful flow to the study of Zen. If it is not making you happier, then you are not practicing correctly. Votes: 0

After macrobiotics, Zen, and channeling, the "poor Vanishing Indian" is once more the subject of "deep and meaningful conversation" in the high rises. Votes: 0

A person who undertakes the study of Zen and learns concentration and meditation is like a gymnast. You become a gymnast of the mind. Votes: 0

I am still raw. I say I may be back. You know what lies are for. Even in your Zen heaven we shan't meet. Votes: 0

A person who undertakes the study of Zen and learns concentration and meditation is like a gymnast. You become a gymnast of the mind. Votes: 0

Always now - just now - come into being. Always now - just now - give yourself to death. Practicing this is Zen practice. Votes: 0

In Zen we strive to bring both the mind and the body into perfect combination, so that there is no intrinsic difference between them. Votes: 0

Zen says: be empty. Look without any idea. Look into the nature of things but with no idea, with no prejudice, with no presupposition. Votes: 0

I don't lack confidence. I don't sweat. I don't want to get too Zen on you, but I have to run my own race. Votes: 0

Facts of experience are valued in Zen more than representations, symbols, and concepts-that is to say, substance is everything in Zen and form nothing. Votes: 0

To practice Zen or the Martial Arts, you must live intensely, wholeheartedly, without reserve - as if you might die in the next instant Votes: 0

Zen in it's essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's being, and it points the way from bondage to freedom. Votes: 0

I steeled myself for the next response. I knew it was going to be one of the Zen life lessons. [...] Instead he kissed me. Votes: 0

One has to adopt a sort of Zen calm, in which you know you wrote the best book that you could at the time. Votes: 0

If you study the writings of the mystics, you will always find things in them that appear to be paradoxes, as in Zen, particularly. Votes: 0

I consider writing practice a true Zen practice because it all comes back at you. You can't fool anyone because it's on the page. Votes: 0

Tantric Zen is not being kinky; nor is it being conservative and austere. It is eclectic. It is a real mixture of all things. Votes: 0

Zen people love Buddha so tremendously that they can even play jokes upon him. It is out of great love; they are not afraid. Votes: 0

To be a good Zen Buddhist it is not enough to follow the teaching of its founder; we have to experience the Buddha's experience. Votes: 0

I'm not a dogmatic Christian and I don't believe in the Bible literally, but I realized that Jesus is basically a very Zen dude. Votes: 0

To say one is revolutionary is a little like saying one is a Zen Buddhist - if you say you are, you probably aren't. Votes: 0

The way of nothingness is the way of Zen. It is just a term. The contemplation of nothingness or everythingness is where everything starts. Votes: 0

Zen Hugs - the hugs that you would get, if we were there, if we could hug you, but we aren't, and we can't. Votes: 0

What I term Zen, old Zen, the original face of Zen, new Zen, pure Zen, or Tantric Zen is - Zen in its essence. Votes: 0

A long walk and grooming with a well-mannered dog is a Zen experience that leaves you refreshed and in a creative frame of mind. Votes: 0

Zen is discipline - the discipline of living life, the discipline of taking a breath, the discipline of not knowing and not trying to know. Votes: 0

Zen cuts straight through the Quidditch match in progress and almost gets taken down by a Beater hurling a Nerf quaffle right at his machopartes. Votes: 0

I have developed a Zen-like approach to the operating systems that people use: 'When you're ready, the right operating system will appear in your life. Votes: 0

Zen is discipline - the discipline of living life, the discipline of taking a breath, the discipline of not knowing and not trying to know. Votes: 0

In Zen, actions speak louder than words. Doing is more important than knowing, and knowledge which cannot be translated into action is of little worth. Votes: 0

Zen has lost its zip, if you will, or its nothingness and has become ritualistic Its established in monastaries with strict codes of koan study. Votes: 0

Tantric Zen is more suited for this age that we live in. It give you rules, but in a gentle way. It's not as demanding. Votes: 0

From my own personal encounters and studies with both Tantric and Zen Buddhist monks, I have found them to be humorous, warm, charming, and compassionate. Votes: 0

Zen is not a philosophy, it is poetry. It does not propose, it simply persuades. It does not argue, it simply sings its own song. Votes: 0

No one is ever more him/herself than when they really laugh. Their defenses are down. It's very Zen-like, that moment. They are completely open. Votes: 0

There are few times that I feel more at peace, more in tune, more Zen, if you will, than when I force myself to unplug. Votes: 0

What is Zen? Simple, simple, so simple. Infinite gratitude toward all things past; infinite service to all things present; infinite responsibility to all things future. Votes: 0

Forever is not an idea or a concept, it is reality. All of the things here come from forever. We call forever nirvana in Zen. Votes: 0

When I say that Zen is life, I mean that Zen is not to be confined within conceptualization, that Zen is what makes conceptualization possible. Votes: 0

Like the moon on the water, in a way. When you confront a Zen master, what you're really seeing are not his limitations but yours. Votes: 0

Zen is non-serious. Zen has a tremendous sense of humor. No other religion has evolved so much that it can have that sense of humor. Votes: 0

From my own personal encounters and studies with both Tantric and Zen Buddhist monks, I have found them to be humorous, warm, charming, and compassionate. Votes: 0

Well, for one thing, in the tradition of Zen that I've practiced, there is no prayerful worship and there is no affirmation of a deity. Votes: 0

The theory of Zen is non-competition. But that is not really true at all. People who practice Zen are very competitive. They are competing against emptiness. Votes: 0

I have developed a Zen-like approach to the operating systems that people use: 'When you're ready, the right operating system will appear in your life.' Votes: 0

The theory of Zen is non-competition. But that is not really true at all. People who practice Zen are very competitive. They are competing against emptiness. Votes: 0

A Zen master is someone whose life is one with enlightenment and self-discovery. They can never be separated from that. They've been essentially mastered by Zen. Votes: 0

Whether you are cooking, cleaning house, or planting flowers, try to concentrate on the textures, the smells, colors, tastes, sounds, all Zen moments of focused joy. Votes: 0

It's a relationship like to a crusty Zen master, or something like that. And it is really like another entity because you cannot predict the answers. Votes: 0

Zen has nothing to teach us in the way of intellectual analysis; nor has it any set doctrines which are imposed on its followers for acceptance. Votes: 0

Crowdsourcing is the ultimate disruptor of distribution because in a most Zen-like fashion, the content is controlled by everyone and no one at the same time. Votes: 0

The study of Zen is a retraining. It is a series of new ways, not just one way, to learn to use your mind more efficiently. Votes: 0

Zen teaches that once we can open up to the inevitability of our demise, we can begin to transform that situation and lighten up about it. Votes: 0

What is Tantric Zen? Well, I don't think I can give you a straight answer, since I don't happen to be a very straight Zen master. Votes: 0

The study of Zen is a retraining. It is a series of new ways, not just one way, to learn to use your mind more efficiently. Votes: 0

Find a teacher of Tantric Zen and study with them because it is transference of awareness, a sharing of the perception of the beauty of life. Votes: 0

Not to be bound by rules, but to be creating one's own rules-this is the kind of life which Zen is trying to have us live. Votes: 0

But for the first time, I had a religious identity. I had come home. And so I called myself a Zen Buddhist at the age of 18. Votes: 0

Find a teacher of Tantric Zen and study with them because it is transference of awareness, a sharing of the perception of the beauty of life. Votes: 0

The Zen master can see precisely what it will take to cause your awareness to become free. But the Zen master can't do it for you. Votes: 0

I find the training of the mind that Zen puts people through is by far to me, the most interesting, one of the most interesting disciplines. Votes: 0

So, without telling any of my Zen-snob buddies, I liked to pretend everything was the Pure Land, that my life was already perfect as it was. Votes: 0

Zen is the only religion in the world that teaches sudden enlightenment. It says that enlightenment takes no time, it can happen in a single, split second. Votes: 0

Zen is less the study of doctrine than a set of tools for discovering what can be known when the world is looked at with open eyes. Votes: 0

Zen is a special transmission outside the scriptures,With no reliance on words and letters.A direct pointing to the human mind,And the realization of enlightenment. Votes: 0

Zen is a very quick path. Zen is the path of meditation. The word Zen means emptiness or fullness, meditation. Meditation is the quickest path to enlightenment. Votes: 0

If you're very liberal, then you should go and find a very liberal Zen teacher, a liberal interpretation of the doctrines of the Soto or Rinzai schools. Votes: 0

The whole aim of Zen is not to make foolproof statements about experience, but to come to direct grips with reality without the mediation of logical verbalizing. Votes: 0

In Zen, and in other forms of self discovery, we do have a transference that occurs where psychically, information, blocks of attention, are transferred to the student. Votes: 0

In Zen, and in other forms of self discovery, we do have a transference that occurs where psychically, information, blocks of attention, are transferred to the student. Votes: 0

Both light and dark are eternity. Human beings assign relative values to colors, but beyond the relative, there just is - what in Zen we call "suchness". Votes: 0

I teach Zen, tantric mysticism, jnana yoga, bhakti yoga, Tibetan mysticism, occultism and psychic development. I also teach poetry and literature, film and many other different things. Votes: 0

I teach Zen, tantric mysticism, jnana yoga, bhakti yoga, Tibetan mysticism, occultism and psychic development. I also teach poetry and literature, film and many other different things. Votes: 0

You may wonder which came first: the skill or the hard work. But that's a moot point. The Zen master cleans his own studio. So should you. Votes: 0

Zen is not morality, it is aesthetics. It does not impose a code of morality. it does not give you any commandments: do this, don't do that. Votes: 0

Zen is a study. It's a discipline. It involves the active use of will to make things happen or not happen. These are the secrets of power. Votes: 0

In the study of Zen you can learn how to strengthen and clarify your finite mind. Your finite mind is like a muscle; when exercised it becomes stronger. Votes: 0

Harmonizing opposites by going back to their source is the distinctive quality of the Zen attitude, the Middle Way: embracing contradictions, making a synthesis of them, achieving balance. Votes: 0

The path of Zen is not easy. It's wonderful. It's beautiful beyond compare. You will experience more ecstasy and beauty than most people will in a thousand lifetimes. Votes: 0

HELLO! Look at me. HELLO! I am so ZEN. This is BLOOD. This is NOTHING. Hello. Everything is nothing, and it's so cool to be ENLIGHTENED. Like me. Votes: 0

The secret of Soto Zen is just two words: not always so.... In Japanese, it's two words, three words in English. That is the secret of our practice. Votes: 0

What attracted me to Zen was my first teacher, Tim McCarthy. He was extremely genuine. It wasn't even really a Zen thing, that sort of came along later. Votes: 0

In Tantric Zen, career, relationships, the type of insurance you have - all things are part of your evolution, your awareness, your experience of the suchness of existence. Votes: 0

What is Zen? Zen is looking at things with the eye of God, that is, becoming the thing's eyes so that it looks at itself with our eyes. Votes: 0

In the last five years I used to go to Zen practice once a month, but since I assumed the post of prime minister it's been much harder. Votes: 0

In advanced Zen a person comes to realize that the existence of things and their ability to perceive them correctly is completely dependent upon their state of mind. Votes: 0

Zen has no theory. It is a non-theoretical approach into reality. It has no doctrine and no dogma - hence it has no church, no priest, no pope. Votes: 0

Zen is a very fast path to enlightenment, fast in comparison to some other paths, not fast for the person who practices it. There is no sense of speed. Votes: 0

In Zen Buddhism an action is considered good when it brings happiness and well-being to oneself and others, evil when it brings suffering and harm to oneself and others. Votes: 0

Our goal isn't contentment in and of itself. We're not after a mystical state of Zen. Our goal is to be content for the glory and honor of God. Votes: 0

Zen is the way of complete self-realization; a living human being who follows the way of Zen can attain satori and then live a new life as a Buddha. Votes: 0

Meditation is the way the mind is. That's why in Zen they call it the natural state, which means you don't have to go and do anything to meditate. Votes: 0

In Zen we classify ten thousand different states of mind, different ways of seeing life. There is something beyond the ten thousand states of mind that we call nirvana. Votes: 0

The person who's in the Zen monastery, who's doing a kind of poor job at meditating and a half-ass job cleaning the gardens is not doing very good yoga. Votes: 0

To practice Zen means to realize one's existence in the beauty and clarity of this present moment, rather than letting life unravel in useless daydreaming of the past and future. Votes: 0

There is competition in Zen. Let's not be ridiculous. There is competition in everything in life; being a winner in Zen means, competing and winning in the world of enlightenment. Votes: 0

Most people put the cart before the horse, which is an interesting way to go through life. They approach everything directly. In Zen we approach everything backwards or inside out. Votes: 0

Among the most remarkable features characterizing Zen we find these: spirituality, directness of expression, disregard of form or conventionalism, and frequently an almost wanton delight in going astray from respectability. Votes: 0

Those who are already adept at some disciplines of the body will find that the study of Zen and meditation will give you much more control than you now have. Votes: 0

This is the Zen approach: nothing is there to be done. There is nothing to do. One has just to be. Have a rest and be ordinary and be natural. Votes: 0

With Zen we do it more through slight of hand, a very subtle and delicate shift in consciousness, which shifts the world. It's kind of done from the inside out. Votes: 0

Green politics at its worst amounts to a sort of Zen fascism; less extreme, it denounces growth and seeks to stop the world so that we can all get off. Votes: 0

Studying with a teacher doesn't simply mean going to an occasional seminar or Zen retreat. It means fully applying yourself to what the teacher says, most of which is not verbal. Votes: 0

The truth of Zen, just a little bit of it, is what turns one's humdrum life, a life of monotonous, uninspiring commonplaceness, into one of art, full of genuine inner creativity. Votes: 0

I recommend, for many people, the study of computer science. Our natural resource in America is the mind. The mindset in computer science is very similar to the mindset in Zen. Votes: 0

There are things that I value now that I didn't when I first went over there, like Zen Buddhism, which has become part of my life over the last couple years. Votes: 0

Whether you are a genius or an idiot, a thief or, like me, a Zen priest who has cultivated the mind for 30 years - the mind anyway is subject to conditions. Votes: 0

Zen is a totally different kind of religion. It brings humanness to religion. It is not bothered about anything superhuman; its whole concern is how to make ordinary life a blessing. Votes: 0

We call it the transmission of the lamp in Zen. That's when we take enlightened states of mind and literally, you can transfer them, just like you can hand somebody flowers. Votes: 0

There are monasteries in Japan where they teach Zen with rules, more rules than you can imagine, and you might feel comfortable with that. I don't teach that type of Zen. Votes: 0

You have to begin to develop a repertory of jokes, multi-plane spiritual jokes, the sort of things the Zen masters tell each other when they're asleep. These are the secret teachings. Votes: 0

You have to begin to develop a repertory of jokes, multi-plane spiritual jokes, the sort of things the Zen masters tell each other when they're asleep. These are the secret teachings. Votes: 0

Tantric Zen, at first, does not appear to have a method. In Tantric Zen, you could meditate on a Brillo box or you could meditate on the clear light of reality. Votes: 0

I am an architect. I try to feel the transparency in contemporary buildings and I try to understand the transparency in Zen poetry. I just want to mix all those things. Votes: 0

Now when I speak about Zen, I have a problem, in the sense that the Zen of today has lost the essence, in my estimation, of what I call "old Zen." Votes: 0

Zen is not, in my view, philosophy or mysticism. It is simply a practice of readjustment of nervous activity. That is, it restores the distorted nervous system to its normal functioning. Votes: 0

If you're very, very conservative and you like that sort of practice, go find a very conservative Zen master and just do traditional Japanese practice, which is not that traditional actually. Votes: 0

If you're very, very conservative and you like that sort of practice, go find a very conservative Zen master and just do traditional Japanese practice, which is not that traditional actually. Votes: 0

The Zen of doing anything is doing it with a particular concentration of mind, a calmness and simplicity of mind, that brings the experience of enlightenment and, through that experience, happiness. Votes: 0

It is in Zen practice that you gain power, balance and wisdom. The battles that you fight are within your own mind. That is where the real victories and defeats are. Votes: 0

The three elements of creativity are thus: loving, knowing, and doing - or heart, mind, and hands - or, as Zen Buddhist teaching has it; great faith, great question, and great courage. Votes: 0

The aim of Zen training is to attain the state of consciousness which occurs when the individual ego is emptied of itself and becomes identified with the infinite reality of all things. Votes: 0

All success in sports and athletics, from the Zen point of view, comes from the mind. No matter what kind of shape your body is in, there is disharmony in the being. Votes: 0

The samurais were very interested in Zen because they admired the tremendous precision that the Zen Masters had, their lack of fear and pain and their absolute lack of fear of death. Votes: 0

In the advanced practice, the relationship between the Zen master and the student becomes very terse. The Zen master will expect things of the student because the student is in graduate school. Votes: 0

Different schools of Zen have evolved, principally the Rinzai and Soto orders. A whole hierarchy has developed for the teaching and practice of Zen. Zen has become, to a certain degree, institutionalized. Votes: 0

Hornergy' is Zen's term for the indomitable athletic edge powered by sexual restraint. The basketball, baseball and football teams haven't had a winning season in years. The table-tennis team, however, is undefeated. Votes: 0

Zen was a reaction. Just as Buddha came into the world and spoke against the fall of Vedanta, so Buddhism lost its essence and became ritual. Zen was a reaction to that. Votes: 0

Someone who wants to attain enlightenment must be brave. He must rush into the crowd of enemies with a dagger. In the practice of Zen, enemies are our delusive thoughts and passions. Votes: 0

You grow, learn, and the more I can sit in silence and be comfortable with myself, the more I can make noise, as ironic and Zen Buddhist and satanic as it sounds! Votes: 0

All success in sports and athletics, from the Zen point of view, comes from the mind. No matter what kind of shape your body is in, there is disharmony in the being. Votes: 0

Through the study of Zen you can learn to move from lower to higher states of mind at will. Higher states of mind offer you a much more accurate picture of reality. Votes: 0

There's a place where everything comes together and where it's all the same. That state of mind, in which all things are the same, is the state of mind of Tantric Zen. Votes: 0

The Zen philosophy posits that 'human beings suffer' and 'the cause of suffering is desire.' The way to put an end to suffering is to stop wanting everything, all the time. Votes: 0

Zen is not some fancy, special art of living. Our teaching is just to live, always in reality, in its exact sense. To make our effort, moment after moment, is our way. Votes: 0

Zen was a reaction. Just as Buddha came into the world and spoke against the fall of Vedanta, so Buddhism lost its essence and became ritual. Zen was a reaction to that. Votes: 0

Every place is a place to practice. Every time is a time to practice. Zen is concerned with the thought we have this moment rather than with rituals or rules of behavior Votes: 0

You come back to the beginning. That's why in the "Searching for the Ox" sequence, at the very end of that sequence of the Zen paintings, we're back in the world again. Votes: 0

In Zen there is a sense of blending, of stepping out of your body and mind and gaining access to powers and abilities that are far beyond the minds of mortal men. Votes: 0

Have the right attitude in advanced practice. Feel that you are always a beginner in Zen. They refer to it as "beginners mind". I feel I am a beginner, always; because it's true. Votes: 0

There are different pathways - be it Zen, tantra, karma yoga, or jnana yoga. Different ways have been devised to do the same thing for different types of people according to their temperament. Votes: 0

A well known Los Angeles newspaper referred to a small group of gentlemen who live up on a mountain and practice Zen as 'the Zen cult'. The cult phenomenon is definitely journalistically 'in'. Votes: 0

I've been studying the cultures of Asia for many years, and I'm very attracted to the culture of Japan, in particular to the impact Zen has had on the Japanese mind and spirit. Votes: 0

Zen is mind-less activity, that is, Mind-ful activity, and it may often be advisable to emphasize the mind, and say, Take care of the thoughts and the actions will take care of themselves. Votes: 0

This particular school of Zen has always considered itself the Marines of the spiritual world, so it has a kind of bias against conceptual thinking in favor of a very rigorous physical life. Votes: 0

Zen is not a religion. There is no room for a cult. There is no dependence on a teacher. There is only learning how to use your own mind and making it strong. Votes: 0

For Zen, man is the goal; man is the end unto himself. God is not something above humanity, God is something hidden within humanity. Man is carrying God in himself as a potentiality. Votes: 0

I suppose what I like about Zen is that the teachers are constantly questioning your insight and challenging it, looking for sloppiness or laziness in it, and ways you can go past that. Votes: 0

The ten thousand states of mind that we talk about in Zen are all levels of perception. You can think of each of the ten thousand states of mind as a dimensional plane. Votes: 0

Inspiration comes from everything from the entire world, and its hard to pinpoint one thing. I can trace one inspiration to the writing of 13th-century Zen master Dogen Zenji, who writes beautifully about time. Votes: 0

Inspiration comes from everything from the entire world, and it's hard to pinpoint one thing. I can trace one inspiration to the writing of 13th-century Zen master Dogen Zenji, who writes beautifully about time. Votes: 0

As a dialectical teacher, I have had many lives where I have taught Zen and Tibetan Buddhism and mysticism. I teach in many different modalites. But the theme that unites them - is love. Votes: 0

You cannot be born and you cannot die. You will exist in a universe that goes on forever. That is the ultimate horror from the Zen point of view. You could be unhappy forever. Votes: 0

Each of the small enlightenments that a Zen practitioner has, which are known in Zen as "Satori experiences," provides deeper insights into the nature of existence and helps a person prepare for complete enlightenment. Votes: 0

I was very attracted to the way that Zen did not go into the imagination land. And now I've forgotten what your first question was and how we were going to tie this together. Votes: 0

It is not good to talk about Zen, because Zen is nothingness... If you talk about it, you are always lying, and if you don't talk about it, no one knows it is there. Votes: 0

Surfing soothes me, it's always been a kind of Zen experience for me. The ocean is so magnificent, peaceful, and awesome. The rest of the world disappears for me when I'm on a wave. Votes: 0

Each of the small enlightenments that a Zen practitioner has, which are known in Zen as "Satori experiences," provides deeper insights into the nature of existence and helps a person prepare for complete enlightenment. Votes: 0

In Zen we study the will. We learn how to cultivate it, to accumulate will. We use it to direct our actions, and we don't overuse it or abuse it - that's a waste. Votes: 0

Zen taught me how to pay attention, how to delve, how to question and enter, how to stay with -- or at least want to try to stay with -- whatever is going on. Votes: 0

Today we can see many different forms of Buddhism, such as Zen and Theravada Buddhism. All these different aspects are practices of Buddha's teachings, and all are equally precious; they are just different presentations. Votes: 0

Meryl Streep is expert at only using the requisite amount of energy to express her character, not an ounce too little or too much. She's Zen and doesn't know she's Zen. That's very Zen! Votes: 0

As a dialectical teacher, I have had many lives where I have taught Zen and Tibetan Buddhism and mysticism. I teach in many different modalites. But the theme that unites them - is love. Votes: 0

Wabi means spare, impoverished; simple and functional. It connotes a transcendence of fad and fashion. The spirit of wabi imbues all the Zen arts, from calligraphy to karate, from the tea ceremony to Zen archery. Votes: 0

We must recognize our own behavioral errors. To be blunt, you are not likely to become a cognitive Zen master anytime soon. But a little enlightenment could keep you from making some common investing errors. Votes: 0

In the Zen of sports and athletics, we seek to bring discipline and control into our physical movements, but at the same time to eliminate the self that gets in the way of perfect play. Votes: 0

Zen is the most scientific method to inquire into your consciousness. It takes you beyond mind into a space called no-mind. No self, but pure awareness, and you have a taste of eternity and immortality. Votes: 0

We sell tea in Starbucks, but I think the experience is very different. I think coffee is something that is quick - it's transactional. I think tea is more Zen-like. It requires a different environment. Votes: 0

Haiku is a particularly Zen form of poetry; for Zen detests egoism in the form of calculated effects or self-glorification of any sort. The author of haiku should be absent, and only the haiku present. Votes: 0

The future of humanity will move closer and closer toward the approach of Zen, because the meeting of the East and West is possible only through something like Zen, which is earthly and yet unearthly. Votes: 0

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. Zen practice is to open up our small mind. Votes: 0

Sometimes people come up and they get infatuated with some little brief imagistic poem or something, and they say, "Oh, I really like your Zen poems." And I say, "Which ones are not Zen poems?" Votes: 0

We have two eyes to see two sides of things, but there must be a third eye which will see everything at the same time and yet not see anything. That is to understand Zen. Votes: 0

No matter what verbal space you try to enclose Zen in, it resists, and spills over ... the Zen attitude is that words and truth are incompatible, or at least that no words can capture truth. Votes: 0

The Zen Master was constantly attempting to break up concepts that people had about what it was like to be a spiritual teacher. We have a traditional image. Each Zen master was a complete character. Votes: 0