Breaths Quote by Anonymous
““You must realize that no matter how intently you count your breaths you will still perceive what is in your line of vision, since your eyes are open, and you will hear the normal sounds about you, as your ears are not plugged. And since your brain likewise is not asleep, various thought forms will dart about your mind. Now, they will not hamper or diminish the effectiveness of zazen unless, evaluating them as "good", you cling to them or, deciding they are "bad", you try to check or eliminate them.””
About This Quote
Source Text: Zen teaching on meditation, unknown source
Mindful awareness of breath is insufficient; external stimuli and thoughts arise, but they only hinder practice if we judge and cling to them.
In simple terms: Awareness alone isn’t enough; judgment creates distraction.
Key Takeaway
Observe without judgment.
Themes
mindfulness
meditation
nonattachment
Mood
calm
reflective
neutral
Type
philosophical
inspirational
advice
When to use this quote
- daily meditation
- stressful work
- therapy sessions
- studying
- travel
Key Concepts
Zen
cognitive diffusion
impermanence
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you notice thoughts without labeling them?
- What effect does judgment have on your calm?
A Different Perspective
If you label thoughts as good or bad, you may become entangled, reducing the practice’s benefit.
