When one of the emperors of China asked Bodhidharma (the…
““When one of the emperors of China asked Bodhidharma (the Zen master who brought Zen from India to China) what enlightenment was, his answer was, “Lots of space, nothing holy.” Meditation is nothing holy. Therefore there’s nothing that you think or feel that somehow gets put in the category of “sin.” There’s nothing that you can think or feel that gets put in the category of “bad.” There’s nothing that you can think or feel that gets put in the category of “wrong.” It’s all good juicy stuff—the manure of waking up, the manure of achieving enlightenment, the art of living in the present moment.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Zen master teaches that thoughts and feelings are neutral; labeling them as good or bad is unnecessary, urging present‑moment awareness.
In simple terms: All experiences are neutral; avoid moral labeling.
Key Takeaway
Observe without judgment.
Themes
mindfulness
non‑duality
acceptance
spirituality
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- stress reduction
- creative work
Key Concepts
Zen philosophy
psychology of perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does non‑judgment affect emotional health?
- Can neutrality coexist with ethical action?
A Different Perspective
Some may find this view dismissive of moral responsibility.