12 quotes
Students, when you want to say something, think about it three times before you say it. Speak only if your words will benefit yourselves and others. Do not speak if it brings no benefit.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
If he cannot stop the mind that seeks after fame and profit, he will spend his life without finding peace.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
Because monks come from the midst of purity, they consider as good and pure what does not arouse desire among other people.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
People who truly follow the Way would do well to conceal the fact that they are Buddhists.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
When other sects speak well of Zen, the first thing that they praise is its poverty.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
Students today should begrudge every moment of time. This dewlike life fades away; time speeds swiftly. In this short life of ours, avoid involvement in superfluous things and just study the Way.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
Just study Buddhism. Don't follow the sentiments of the world.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
Just practice good, do good for others, without thinking of making yourself known so that you may gain reward. Really bring benefit to others, gaining nothing for yourself. This is the primary requisite for breaking free of attachments to the Self.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
Zazen is the ultimate practice. This is indeed the True Self. The Buddhadharma is not to be sought outside of this.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
Students of the Way must not study Buddhism for the sake of themselves. They must study Buddhism only for the sake of Buddhism. The key to this is to renounce both body and mind without holding anything back and to offer them to the great sea of Buddhism.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
Yet you must not cling to the words of the old sages either; they, too, may not be right. Even if you believe them, you should be alert so that, in the event that something superior comes along, you may follow that.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)
Something you want badly enough can always be gained. No matter how fierce the enemy, how remote the beautiful lady, or how carefully guarded the treasure, there is always a means to the goal for the earnest seeker. The unseen help of the guardian gods of heaven and earth assure fulfillment.
Shobogenzo Zuimonki (1238)