@moonbus said^ THIS ^ is very important...
"Nothing you do is important, but it is very important that you do it."
--Gandhi
Zen practice is not clarifying conceptual distinctions, but throwing away one’s preconceived views and notions and the sacred texts and all the rest, and piercing through the layers of coverings over the spring of self behind them. All the holy ones have turned within and sought in the self, and by this went beyond all doubt. To turn within means all the 24 hours and in every situation, to pierce one by one through the layers covering the self, deeper and deeper, to a place that cannot be described.
- Daikaku (1213-1279)
As a solid rock is not shaken by the wind,
so the wise are not shaken by blame and praise.
As a deep lake is clear and calm,
so the wise become tranquil after they listened to the truth...
Good people walk on regardless of what happens to them.
Good people do not babble on about their desires.
Whether touched by happiness or by sorrow,
the wise never appear elated or depressed…
~The Dhammapada
Just know your own mind, and you will grasp countless teachings and infinite subtle meanings without even seeking. That is why the World Honored one said, “Observing all sentient beings, I see they are fully endowed with the knowledge and virtues of Buddhas.”
He also said, “All living beings, and all sorts of illusory events, are all born in the completely awake subtle mind of those who realize suchness.”
- Chinul
To return to your original state of being,
You must become a master of stillness.
Activity for health’s sake,
Never carried to the point of strain,
Must alternate with perfect stillness.
Sitting motionless as a rock,
Turn next to stillness of mind.
Close the gates of the senses.
Fix your mind upon one object or,
Even better, enter a state
Of objectless awareness.
Turn the mind in upon itself
And contemplate the inner radiance.
- Anonymous
"Conversion is change from one belief or dogma to another, from one ceremony to a more gratifying one, and it does not open the door to reality. On the contrary, gratification is a hindrance to reality. And yet that is what organised religions and religious groups are attempting to do: to convert you to a more reasonable or a less reasonable dogma, superstition or hope. They offer you a better cage. It may or may not be comfortable, depending on your temperament, but in any case it is a prison."
-- J. Krishnamurti, Commentaries on Living Vol. 1
In the mountains I lost my mind,
Followed my nature, and let my words soar.
The words I speak are of the empty void,
Where there are no snakes or rats.
Have mind, and passion waves will rise;
No mind, and it’s the Pure Land.
The Pure Land gives birth to True Buddha,
And Buddha transmits Buddha words.
The Buddha can save all living beings;
Living beings are the mother of Buddha.
- Pang Yun (d.815)
inhale this,
but do not touch,
it is iocane powder...
The Buddha Mind contains the universe.
In this universe there is only one pure substance,
One absolute and indivisible Truth.
The notion of duality does not exist.
The small mind contains
Only illusions of separateness, of division.
It imagines myriad objects
And defines truth in terms of relative opposites.
Big is defined by small,
Good by evil, pure by defiled,
Hidden by revealed, full by empty.
What is opposition?
It is the arena of hostility,
Of conflict and turmoil.
Where duality is transcended peace reigns. This is the Dharma’s ultimate truth.
- Han Shan Te'Ch'ing (1600)