The practice of Zen mind is beginner's mind. The innocence of the first inquiry—what am I?—is needed throughout Zen practice. The mind of the beginner is empty, free of the habits of the expert, ready to accept, to doubt, and open to all the possibilities. It is the kind of mind which can see things as they are, which step by step and in a flash can realize the original nature of everything.

You want to eliminate your evil desires in order to reveal your Buddha nature, but where will you throw them away?

There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen.

We try, and we try, and we fail; and then we go deeper.

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

A Master who cannot bow to a disciple cannot bow to Buddha.

So for a period of time each day, try to sit, without moving, without expecting anything, as if you were in your last moment. Moment after moment you feel your last instant. In each inhalation and each exhalation there are countless instants of time. Your intention is to live in each instant.