Wherever you go, there you are. The luggage is another story.
Be here now. Be someplace else later. Is that so complicated?
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single Oy.
The Buddha says, “There is no self”.
Different religions say, “Love your neighbor as yourself”.
So, maybe we’re off the hook.
Accept misfortune as a blessing. Do not wish for perfect health, or a life without problems. What would you talk about?
A religion won’t necessarily change you. If you’re angry, you’ll be an angry Christian, Buddhist, or…. Lighten up and connect with nature.
Don’t be over consumed with politics. Or you will live and be a political robot. Clearly do what’s right without politics overtaking too many minutes of each waking day. Or perhaps machine-like politics will stunt your inner growth as a spiritual soul.
Zen is not easy. It takes effort to attain nothingness.
And then what do you achieve? Nothingness as beautifully expressed in haiku.
“How much “ego” do you need? Just enough so that you don’t step in front of a bus.” Shunryu Suzuki
Zen Related Quotes:
Relaxing Hot Water
To better understand Jesus, remember he was Jewish. Also diluted buddhist thoughts were probably circulating around Palestine in BC before Jesus came. Did Jesus set things in motion to later inspire the JuBu movement?
Are some of the brightest Buddhist Jews with one instead of two Jewish parents? Does their background lend them to be more worldly, open minded and less dogmatic? Think about it.
In the end, only three things matter: How much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.
Let nature away from the cement jungle become your sanctuary.
Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. L Cohen
Trying to keep my heart pure and simple like a child. The greatest happiness.
All exits lead to an entry point.
When you are deluded and full of doubt, even a thousand books of scripture are not enough. When you have realized understanding, even one word is too much. Fen Yang
The nature of God is a circle of which the center is everywhere and the circumference is nowhere. Empedocles
Spiritual guides and poets are simply sign posts.
View From Rear Deck. Poetry Time Anyone?
If you cannot find the truth right where you are, where else do you expect to find it? Dogen
The only Zen you find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there. Robert Pirsig, Former University of Chicago Professor
Making comparisons diffuses one from being in the moment.
Truly, I say to you, whosoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. Luke 18:17. Might apply to all theologies.
In work, do what you enjoy.
If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. William Blake
Your inner self is what remains when there is no more grasping for defining your identity.
In dwelling, live close to the earth.
The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here and you are out there. Yasutani Roshi
The journey might matter more than the final destination.
Our life is frittered away by detail… Simplify, simplify. Thoreau
Those who want the fewest things are nearest to the gods. Socrates
Sit Rest Work. Alone with yourself, Never weary. On the edge of the forest Live joyfully, Without desire. Buddha
People are straying away from organized religion and returning to God.
Zen detaches one from the world’s symbolization..
If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know. Louis Armstrong
Keep a clearer head. Walk or sit. Don’t wobble.
Farmer pointing the way with a small carrot.
Water that is too pure is without fish.
Life and love are life and love, a bunch of violets is a bunch of violets, and to drag in the idea of a point is to ruin everything. Live and let live, love and let love, flower and fade, and follow the natural curve, which flows on, pointless. DH Lawrence
Knowledge requires one to be light, flexible and in motion.
The teacher only shows the door.
When the cheese is eaten, where does the hole go?
The teacher appears when the student is ready.
Zen has nothing to grab on to. When people who study Zen don’t see it, that is because they approach too eagerly. Ying An
The eye with which I see God is the same eye with which God sees me. Eckhart
Angel looks like a devil. Expecting two ethical souls to agree while holding onto different expectations. Chance of staying friends with neither a written agreement or open mindedness to meet a mediator.
We see men haying far in the meadow, their heads waving like the grass they cut. In the distance, the wind seemed to bend all alike. Thoreau
A monk asked Chao-chou, “If a poor man comes, what should one give him?” “He lacks nothing,” answered the Master.
Fundamentally the marksman aims at himself. Zen in the Art of Archery
Zen: Everything the same; everything distinct.
Lovely snowflakes, they fall nowhere else!
“But the Emperor has nothing on at all!” cried a little child. Hans Andersen
If a man wishes to be sure of the road he treads on, he must close his eyes and walk in the dark. St John of the Cross
It all becomes one. Keep dancing through life.
Starting out is the biggest joy.
Zen: When the Many are reduced to One, to what is the One reduced?
Fresh Perspective On Zen Flow
Zen In The Art Of Playfulness ™can be like a poetic dance. Intelligent play can in certain ways be similar to the bestsellers “Zen in the Art of Archery”, and University of Chicago’s “Zen in the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”. It’s used to healthily and without force, transcend blocks people might including writer’s block. It’s another way to have a fun and interesting time while expanding your intelligent mind.
Zen Spiritual Motion Discussion
Form of Zen In The Art Of Playfulness ™
Zen Motion a type of Creative Zen releases feelings of inner blockage. Developed by inventor Steven Kays who grew up in Japan. It’s akin to Chi Gung, Japanese slow motion Noh theater, non-strenuous moving yoga and innovative walking meditation. This is one of many retreat discussion topics.
Transcend the confines for how different cultures mold people differently. First step is moving to your own inner rhythm surrounded by nature. Let your movements open new feelings you may have stored away since a young child.
Gently release your body motions in tune with your inner spiritual guide. You are the guide, and free from a teacher’s conflicts of interest over money or group think.
The discovery experience transcends language. Bring loose clothing, and something soft when practicing motions of your choice when laying down (recommended buy not required).
Stay refreshed. Nature is sanctuary. Reconnect with our higher calling. Transcend urban life’s distractions.
Visit Our Free Nature Retreat. Meet Likeminded Poetic Souls.
Call Steve Mon – Sun (707) 690-0844