Welcome to our collection of Zen quotes. Zen is a philosophy and practice that originated in China and later adapted and developed in Japan. It encompasses the teachings and practices of Buddhism, emphasizing meditation, mindfulness, and the attainment of enlightenment. Zen focuses on the present moment, encouraging individuals to live with awareness and to let go of attachments and distractions.
In this section, you will find a compilation of profound and thought-provoking quotes from Zen masters, philosophers, and practitioners. These quotes delve into various aspects of Zen, offering insights into the nature of reality, human consciousness, and the path to inner peace and enlightenment.
Whether you are a Zen practitioner seeking inspiration, someone curious about the philosophy, or simply looking for wisdom to apply in your daily life, these quotes will offer you a glimpse into the profound depths of Zen teachings. Explore the pages below to discover timeless wisdom, quiet contemplation, and guidance on how to live a more mindful and fulfilling life.
Take your time to reflect on the profound meanings contained within these quotes, and let them inspire you to cultivate a deeper understanding of Zen and its transformative power. May they help you find tranquility, clarity, and a greater sense of presence in your journey towards self-discovery and spiritual growth.
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.
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.
Zen opens a man's eyes to the greatest mystery as it is daily and hourly performed; it enlarges the heart to embrace eternity of time and infinity of space in its every palpitation; it makes us live in the world as if walking in the garden of Eden
The basic idea of Zen is to come in touch with the inner workings of our being, and to do this in the most direct way possible, without resorting to anything external or superadded. Therefore, anything that has the semblance of an external authority is rejected by Zen. Absolute faith is placed in a man's own inner being. For whatever authority there is in Zen, all comes from within.
Zen wants us to acquire an entirely new point of view whereby to look into the mysteries of life and the secrets of nature. This is because Zen has come to the definite conclusion that the ordinary logical process of reasoning is powerless to give final satisfaction to our deepest spiritual needs.
Zen, in its essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's own being, and it points the way from bondage to freedom. By making us drink right from the fountain of life it liberates us from all the yokes under which we finite beings are usually suffering in this world.
A simple fishing boat in the midst of the rippling waters is enough to awaken in the mind of the beholder a sense of vastness of the sea and at the same time of peace and contentment - the Zen sense oof the alone.
If I am asked If I am asked, then, what Zen teaches, I would answer, Zen teaches nothing. Whatever teachings there are in Zen, they come out of one's own mind. We teach ourselves; Zen merely points the way.
I raise my hand; I take a book from the other side of this desk; I hear the boys playing ball outside my window; I see the clouds blown away beyond the neighboring woods:-in all these I am practicing Zen, I am living Zen. No worldly discussion is necessary, or any explanation.
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.
