We do not exist for the sake of something else. We exist for the sake of ourselves.

I discovered that it is necessary, absolutely necessary, to believe in nothing. That is, we have to believe in something which has no form and no color--something which exists before all forms and colors appear... No matter what god or doctrine you believe in, if you become attached to it, your belief will be based more or less on a self-centered idea.

How much 'ego' do you need? Just enough so that you don't step in front of a bus.

The more you practice zazen, the more you will be able to accept something as your own, whatever it is.

Concentration comes not from trying hard to focus on something, but from keeping your mind open and directing it at nothing.

Zazen practice is the direct expression of our true nature. Strictly speaking, for a human being, there is no other practice than this practice; there is no other way of life than this way of life.

In the zazen posture, your mind and body have, great power to accept things as they are, whether agreeable or disagreeable.