A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows towards it, by reaching out to the sun, the tree perfects its character and becomes great. ... Absorb, absorb, absorb. That is the secret of the tree.

Whether we remain the ash or become the phoenix is up to us.

We may be floating on Tao, but there is nothing wrong with steering. If Tao is like a river, it is certainly good to know where the rocks are.

Self-discipline leads to higher spiritual states only if practiced with under- standing. The clearer the goal, the greater the result.

Do you want to know how spirituality works? Breathe.

An ancient gnarled tree: Too fibrous for a logger's saw, Too twisted to fit a carpenter's square, Outlasts the whole forest.

Let us be sad; it is feeling that makes us human.