Monks transgress the Laws of the Buddha, stir up the common people, store wealth and weapons, and spread rumors; under the guise of religion, they are nothing more than self-serving agitators.

...you're going to find people from all over the country, everyone hungry for money and position. You won't make a name for yourself just doing what the next man does. You'll have to distinguish yourself in some way.

The bitter winds in February were sometimes called the First East Winds, but the longing for spring somehow made them seem more piercing.

it is easy to surpass a predecessor, but difficult to avoid being surpassed by a successor.

The world is a stone wall ... and they have put the stones so close together that there is not a single crack through which one may enter.

Love was like a toothache.

Hold on to your life and make it honest and brave.