Blowing smoke Quote by Tom Robbins
““Meditation,” said his teacher, “hasn’t got a damn thing to do with anything, ‘cause all it has to do with is nothing. Nothingness. Okay? It doesn’t develop the mind, it dissolves the mind. Self-improvement? Forget it, baby. It erases the self. Throws the ego out on its big brittle ass. What good is it? Good for nothing. Excellent for nothing. Yes, Lord, but when you get down to nothing, you get down to ultimate reality. It’s then and exactly then that you’re sensing the true nature of the universe, you’re linked up with the absolute Absolute, son, and unless you’re content with blowing smoke up your butt all your life, that there’s the only place to be.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Still Life with Woodpeckers by Tom Robbins, 1980
The quote suggests that meditation empties the mind, removing ego and self‑improvement, to reveal ultimate reality and unity with the absolute.
In simple terms: Meditation empties the mind to reveal true reality.
Key Takeaway
Seek emptiness to discover deeper truth.
Themes
spirituality
ego
mindfulness
reality
philosophy
Mood
contemplative
enigmatic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- stress relief
- creative work
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
non‑duality
emptiness
self‑transcendence
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “nothingness” feel like to you?
- How can emptiness improve daily life?
A Different Perspective
Some may view it as nihilistic or dismissive of practical benefits.
