Focus Quote by Roshi P. Kapleau
““One day a man of the people said to Zen Master Ikkyu: “Master, will you please write for me some maxims of the highest wisdom?” Ikkyu immediately took his brush and wrote the word “Attention.” “Is that all?” asked the man. “Will you not add something more?” Ikkyu then wrote twice running: “Attention. Attention.” “Well,” remarked the man rather irritably, “I really don’t see much depth or subtlety in what you have just written.” Then Ikkyu wrote the same word three times running: “Attention. Attention. Attention.” Half angered, the man demanded: “What does that word ‘Attention’ mean anyway?” And Ikkyu answered gently: “Attention means attention.”11””
About This Quote
Source Story: Zen anecdote about Master Ikkyu, source unknown
The teaching emphasizes that true insight lies in sustained, focused awareness rather than elaborate explanations.
In simple terms: Focus repeatedly reveals depth.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate steady attention.
Themes
mindfulness
focus
simplicity
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
aphilosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- learning
- teaching
- daily tasks
- stress reduction
Key Concepts
Zen
presence
non‑duality
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you apply continuous attention in everyday life?
- What does “attention means attention” reveal about understanding?
A Different Perspective
Attention alone may feel insufficient without context or guidance.
