Skip to content

I said that if you attain your true self, then if you die…

“I said that if you attain your true self, then if you die in one hour, in one day, or in one month, it is no problem. If you only do “fixing-your-body” meditation, you will mostly be concerned with your body. But some day, when it’s time for your body to die, this meditation will not help, so you…” quote by Zen Master Seung Sahn
Download Open image
““I said that if you attain your true self, then if you die in one hour, in one day, or in one month, it is no problem. If you only do “fixing-your-body” meditation, you will mostly be concerned with your body. But some day, when it’s time for your body to die, this meditation will not help, so you will not believe in it. This means it is not correct meditation. If you do correct meditation, being sick sometimes is OK; suffering sometimes is OK; dying someday is OK. The Buddha said, “If you keep a clear mind moment to moment, then you will get happiness everywhere.””

Zen Master Seung Sahn

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

True meditation embraces acceptance of illness, suffering, and death, leading to clear mind and universal happiness, unlike superficial practices focused on the body.

In simple terms: Meditation should accept all life aspects.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate clear, accepting mind.

Themes

meditation acceptance impermanence happiness

Mood

tranquil reflective hopeful

Type

Meditation:1 Clear Mind:1 Die Meditation:0 Body Meditation:0 Meditation Correct:1 Correct Meditation:0 Meditation Concerned:0

When to use this quote

  • daily meditation
  • end‑of‑life counseling
  • stress relief

Key Concepts

Buddhist philosophy mindfulness spiritual practice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you view suffering in practice?
  • Can you maintain clarity amid illness?
A Different Perspective

Accepting death may be frightening.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Zen Master Seung Sahn

Explore all 2 Zen Master Seung Sahn quotes

More Meditation quotes

Browse all 7,091 Meditation quotes