We are all a configuration of attributes, qualities, aspirations, and conditions, and at the same time we are completely free of all that. We are our causes and conditions, and simultaneously we are free of them.

Maybe the virtue of our practice is that it shows us the arrogance of our minds. We discover that we don’t see things as they are; we see things as our mind creates them.

We resist seeing or hearing things we are opposed to or are afraid of. When we try, we find it harder than we imagined to settle the mind enough to let in what we resist or feel threatened by.

Moving in accord with circumstances, we do not act on things, but with circumstances.

See if you can do that, if your present activity, your present breath, is compelling enough to draw you out of your planning mind, out of your past mind.

Zen practice doesn’t make promises. No treats or discounts. In Zen you have to pay the full price.

The air is sharp and cold; we know we are alive. We are here.

we grab onto things to find pleasure or frustration, something, anything, to engage our feelings and thoughts.

who binds you? Don’t look outside; look into the mind, investigate the opinionated mind. Become familiar with its opinions and judgments; then you won’t be so vulnerable to them.