The Zen meditative approach has a simple, unstated premise: moods and attitudes shape—determine—what we think and perceive. If we feel happy, we tend to develop certain trains of thought. If we feel sad or angry, still others. But suppose, with… — James H. Austin Copy Share
Zen values the simple, concrete, living facts of everyday direct personal experience. — James H. Austin Copy Share Image
The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here (pointing to himself) and you are out there. — James H. Austin Copy Share Image
The Zen meditative approach has a simple, unstated premise: moods and attitudes shape—determine—what we think and perceive. If we feel happy, we tend to develop certain trains of thought. If we feel sad or angry, still others. But suppose, with training, we become nonattached to distractions and learn to dampen these wild, emotional swings on either side of equanimity. Then… — James H. Austin Copy Share
The early masters also introduced walking meditation and hard work to the monastery, for too much sitting could reach the point of diminishing returns. — James H. Austin Copy Share Image
The message is that ultimate meaning is to be found in this present moment, infusing our everyday lives, here and now. — James H. Austin Copy Share Image
“Ordinary man to Zen Master Ikkyu: ‘‘Master, please write the maxims exemplifying the highest wisdom.’’ Ikkyu immediately writes the ideogram ‘‘Attention,’’ with his brush.… — James H. Austin Copy Share Image
Emotions are not 'bad.' At the roots of our emotions are primal energies which can be put to fruitful use. Indeed...the energies of enlightenment… — James H. Austin Copy Share Image
When can our brain's innate objectivity begin to flourish? Only when our inappropriate Self-centered subjectivity begins to dissolve. — James H. Austin Copy Share Image
