The Zen meditative approach has a simple, unstated premise: moods and attitudes shape—determine—what we think and perceive. If we feel happy, we tend to develop certain trains of thought. If we feel sad or angry, still others. But suppose, with training, we become nonattached to distractions and learn to dampen these wild, emotional swings on either side of equanimity. Then we can enter that serene awareness which is the natural soil for positive, spontaneous personal growth, often called spiritual growth.

Emotions are not 'bad.' At the roots of our emotions are primal energies which can be put to fruitful use. Indeed...the energies of enlightenment arises from the very same natural origins as those which give rise to our everyday passions and emotions.

When can our brain's innate objectivity begin to flourish? Only when our inappropriate Self-centered subjectivity begins to dissolve.

Zen values the simple, concrete, living facts of everyday direct personal experience.

The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here (pointing to himself) and you are out there.

The message is that ultimate meaning is to be found in this present moment, infusing our everyday lives, here and now.

The early masters also introduced walking meditation and hard work to the monastery, for too much sitting could reach the point of diminishing returns.