"How can we ever lose interest in life?

Spring has come again And cherry trees bloom in the mountains."

"The stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the willow survives by bending with the wind."

"The way of the sword and the Way of Zen are identical, for they have the same purpose; that of killing the ego. "

"We all have the clear, wondrously bright field from the beginning. Many lifetimes of misunderstanding come only from distrust, hindrance, and screens of confusion that we create in a scenario of isolation. "

"Each night, I gaze upon a pond, a Zen body sitting beside a moon. Nothing is really there, and yet it is all so clear and bright. I cannot describe it. If you would know the empty mind your own mind must be as clear and bright as this full moon upon the water. "

"In the very ultimate, Rules and standards do not exist. Develop a mind of equanimity, And all deeds are put to rest. Anxious doubts are completely cleared."

"Zen enlightenment is as if you have been away from home for many years, when suddenly you see your father or mother in town. You know them right away, without a doubt. There is no need to ask whether they are your parents or not."

"It is necessary to be noble, and yet take humility as a basis. It is necessary to be exalted, and yet take modesty as a foundation."