If you are not happy here and now, you never will be.

Taisen Deshimaru

Some others:

During zazen, brain and consciousness become pure. It's exactly like muddy water left to stand in a glass. Little by little, the sediment sinks to the bottom and the water becomes pure.

..

We feel our shell keeps us safe, but it crushes us and others, and keeps out light and sun.

..

What is called zazen is sitting on a zafu [pillow] in a quiet room, absolutely still, in the exact and proper position and without uttering a word, the mind empty of any thought, good or wicked. It is continuing to sit peacefully, facing a wall, and nothing more. Every day.

..

Are you able to happy and satisfied right now in this very moment? It's not always so easy. Taking a very deep breath can help. If it's still a challenge, think of all the diseases and illnesses and problems that you don't have. There's a lot of positive to rest the mind on, which tends to gravitate to the negative.

Alternatively, take a moment to rest the mind on the breath with your eyes closed and look for the first glimpse of peace bubble up from the soul as a result. There may be some discomfort and pain there too. That's normal. But once you can rest your mind on a strand of peace arising, stay with it for a couple of seconds and let it metastasize throughout the mind.

Submitted March 12, 2018 at 05:30PM by pohw http://ift.tt/2FLXZo8