So it is not a matter of whether it is possible to attain Buddhahood, or if it is possible to make a tile a jewel. But just to work, just to live in this world with this understanding is the most important point, and that is our practice. That is true zazen.

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

When you do not realize that you are one with the river, or one with the universe, you have fear. Whether it is separated into drops or not, water is water. Our life and death are the same thing. When we realize this fact, we have no fear of death anymore.

So the secret is just to say 'Yes!' and jump off from here. Then there is no problem. It means to be yourself, always yourself, without sticking to an old self.

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

If I tell you something, you will stick to it and limit your own capacity to find out for yourself.

To give your sheep or cow a large, spacious meadow is the way to control him.