In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.... In the beginner's mind there is no thought, 'I have attained something.' All self-centered thoughts limit our vast mind. When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. We can really learn something.

The secret of zen is just two words: not... always... so.

You should rather be grateful for the weeds you have in your mind, because eventually they will enrich your practice.

Wabi means spare, impoverished; simple and functional. It connotes a transcendence of fad and fashion. The spirit of wabi imbues all the Zen arts, from calligraphy to karate, from the tea ceremony to Zen archery.

So when you try hard to make your own way, you will help others...before you make your own way you cannot help anyone, and no one can help you.

To accept some idea of truth without experiencing it is like a painting of a cake on paper which you cannot eat.

Discipline is creating the situation.