From the Zen view all beings are in the grip of the three poisons, greed, anger and delusion (ignorance).

The best defense against being hurt is to feel good about yourself and the way a person responds to you says more about them, than about you.

Relying on another is an expression of attachment, not love, a manifestation of insecurity and suffering, not understanding the true nature of our lives.

When we do not reject our suffering, or add anything to it, pain is simply pain. It is what we add to our pain that turns it into suffering.

Fear of the future and longing for the past are major factors which impede appropriate action.

we learn the process of emptying out, cleaning house, both within and without.

What seems good turns bad, what seems bad turns good. It is an endless cycle.