It is not after we understand the truth that we attain enlightenment. To realize the truth is to live - to exist here and now.

Without ignoring the objective side of the truth, it has to be subjective as well, Buddha's whole teaching just for you, something you can taste. Not something to believe in but to discover, to experience.

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. Then we can really learn something. The beginner's mind is the mind of compassion. When our mind is compassionate, it is boundless. Dogen-zenji, the founder of our school, always emphasized how important it is to resume our boundless original mind. Then we are always true to ourselves, in sympathy with all beings, and can actually practice.

Enlightenment is not a complete remedy.

Our way is to practice one step at a time, one breath at a time, with no gaining idea.

Because we cannot accept the truth of transience, we suffer.

When you say, "Wait a moment," you are bound by your karma; when you say "Yes I will," you are free.