Nothing we see or hear is perfect. But right there in the imperfection is perfect reality.

Meditation opens the mind to the greatest mystery that takes place daily and hourly; it widens the heart so that it may feel the eternity of time and infinity of space in every throb; it gives us a life within the world as if we were moving about in paradise.

Zazen practice and everyday activity are one thing. We call zazen everyday life, and everyday life zazen.

Religion is not any particular teaching. Religion is everywhere.

A tiger does not ignore or slight any small animal. The way he catches a mouse and catches and devours a cow are the same.

There are, strictly speaking, no enlightened people, there is only enlightened activity.

As long as we have some definite idea about or some hope in the future, we cannot really be serious with the moment that exists right now.