
We are told to
realize that not a single
thing exists. In this field, birth and death
do not appear. The deep source, transparent down
to the bottom, can radiantly shine and respond
unencumbered by each speck of dust
without becoming its
partner.

We are told to
realize that not a single
thing exists. In this field, birth and death
do not appear. The deep source, transparent down
to the bottom, can radiantly shine and respond
unencumbered by each speck of dust
without becoming its
partner.

Life is filled with suffering,
but it is also filled with many wonders,
such as the blue sky, the sunshine, and the eyes of a baby.
Suffering is not enough. We must also be in touch
with the wonders of life. They are within us
and all around us, everywhere, in
every moment.

The way
to study true zen
is not verbal. Just open
yourself and give up everything.
Whatever happens, study closely
and see what you find out.
This is the fundamental
attitude.

While the unawakened soul
thinks that it is his neighbor or his relation
who is his enemy, the awakened soul says, ‘It is my self;
my ignorant ego is my enemy; and it is the struggle
with this enemy that will bring me light and
raise me from the denseness
of the earth.’
jacob wrestling with the angel

People who study the Way begin by having the faith to turn toward it. They are fed up with the vexations and filth of the world and are always afraid they will not be able to find a road of entry into the Way.
Once you have been directed by a teacher or else discovered on your own the originally inherently complete real mind, then no matter what situations or circumstances you encounter, you know for yourself where it’s really at.
But then if you hold fast to that real mind, the problem is you cannot get out, and it becomes a nest. You set up “illumination” and “function” in acts and states, snort and clap and glare and raise your eyebrows, deliberately putting on a scene.
When you meet a genuine expert of the school again, he removes all this knowledge and understanding for you, so you can merge directly with realization of the original uncontrived, unpreoccupied, unminding state. After this you will feel shame and repentance and know to cease and desist. You will proceed to vanish utterly, so that not even the sages can find you arising anywhere, much less anyone else.
That is why Yantou said, “Those people who actually realize it just keep serene and free at all times, without cravings, without dependence.” Isn’t this the door to peace and happiness?”