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

Those who don't know how to suffer are the worst off. There are times when the only correct thing we can do is to bear out troubles until a better day.

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

The idea that each of us can be directly spiritual is radical. Most religions are based not on teaching adherents to be directly spiritual, but in persuading them to trust in the intercession of ministers or priests. The problem with this approach is that we cannot gain access to spirituality except through the medium of a fallible human being. If we want to see Tao, we need only open our eyes and trust what we see.

Who you are is always right.

There is no language of the holy. The sacred lies in the ordinary.

All teachings are mere references. The true experience is living your own life. Then, even the holiest of words are only words.