Zen is one of the most unique perspectives on Buddhism in the world.
Instead of telling the practitioner what the meaning of life is, it teaches the value of getting over life’s difficulties.
Patience, attentiveness, living in the moment- these are some of the highest values in Zen.
These 25 pieces of Zen wisdom will help shed some light on this ancient religion…and maybe answer some of the most important questions you will ever face in life.
- The man who moved the mountain was the one who began by carrying away the smallest stones.
- Don’t be afraid that you do not know something. Be afraid of not learning about it.
- Always look on the bright side of things. If you can’t comprehend this, polish that which has become dull until it begins to shine.
- Even if you stumble and fall down, it doesn’t mean you’ve chosen the wrong path.
- A strong man overcomes an obstacle, a wise man goes the whole way.
- The temptation to give up is strongest just before victory.
- The goal in life is to die young…but to do so as late as possible.
- Don’t speak if it doesn’t improve upon silence.
- Someone who points out your flaws to you is not necessarily your enemy. Someone who speaks of your virtues is not necessarily your friend.
- A thousand-mile journey begins with just one step.
- Don’t be afraid to go slowly. Be afraid of stopping.
- A person who is capable of blushing cannot have a bad heart.
- Even the happiness of a fool is a stupid kind of happiness.
- A hut full of laughter is richer than a palace full of sadness.
- Whatever happens always, happens on time.
- A good teacher opens the door for you, but you must enter the room by yourself.
- A mountain never yields to the wind- no matter how strong it is.
- Your home is where your thoughts find peace.
- There’s no such thing as a friend who doesn’t have any flaws. But if you try to look for all their flaws, you will remain with no friends.
- Unhappiness enters through a door that has been left open.
- No one returns from a long journey the same person they were before.
- It’s better to be a person for a day than to be a shadow for a 1,000 days.
- If you’ve made a mistake, it’s better just to laugh at it.
- Live calmly. The time will come when the flowers bloom by themselves.
- The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.