A fox once hid in a temple, was caught by a monk, and set on fire. It fled into the library, burning the scriptures. The master said: "Acting without reason invites great disaster." Calmness prevents chaos.
Aim high, but not arrogantly. Think deeply, but not obsessively. Seek peace, but not emptiness. Uphold integrity, but not harshness. Balance is the key to wisdom.
Master Dazhu was asked: "How large is 'large'?" He replied: "Boundless." "How small is 'small'?" "Invisible." "Then where is the truth?" He smiled: "Where is it not?" The universe resides within the heart.
Yixiu broke his master's teacup and asked: "Why must we die?" The master said: "All that lives must end." Yixiu replied: "Then your cup's time has come." Life and death are natural—accept them with ease.
A man asked: "Can a stone become a Buddha?" Nansen answered: "Yes. A stone is a Buddha, and a Buddha is a stone. It is all in the mind." Purity of heart transforms all things.
Zen is not far away—it is here, in this moment. A calm mind sees light everywhere.