It is only by practicing through a continual succession of agreeable and disagreeable situations that we acquire true strengths. To accept that pain is inherent and to live our lives from this understanding is to create the causes and conditions for happiness.

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.

Everything you do is right, nothing you do is wrong, yet you must still make ceaseless effort.

Even though you have pain in your legs, you can do it. Even though your practice is not good enough, you can do it.

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

It is easy to have calmness in inactivity, it is hard to have calmness in activity, but calmness in activity is true calmness.

Instead of criticizing, find out how to help.