Around existence twine, (Oh, bridge that hangs across the gorge!) ropes of twisted vine.

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.

No matter where your interest lies, you will not be able to accomplish anything unless you bring your deepest devotion to it.

Before enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water. After enlightenment, chopping wood and carrying water.

Mountain-rose petals Falling, falling, falling now... Waterfall music

There is nothing you can see that is not a flower; there is nothing you can think that is not the moon.

Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows, by itself.

Make the universe your companion, always bearing in mind the true nature of things-mountains and rivers, trees and grasses, and humanity-and enjoy the falling blossoms and the scattering leaves.

Learn how to listen as things speak for themselves.

A flute with no holes is not a flute.

Come, butterfly It's late- We've miles to go together.

I'm not an insomniac. It's just that my mind is in the best position to catch the weight of all hovering possibilities the moment I lie down.

I set out to write an anti-parenting parenting book.

I just walk around, observing the subject from various angles until the picture elements arrange themselves into a composition that pleases my eye.

From my experience, the only thing you can do is take what's written on the page and try, through your own curiosity and investigation, to make it your own and honor what the original intent was.

Prayers aren't for the deity...They're for you, to recommit yourself to what you believe.

I'm attracted to subjects who overcome tremendous suffering and learn to cope emotionally with it

If you don't need God to pull off what you are planning, you are not dreaming big enough.

A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.

Physical conditioning from regular exercise is important. And we can do so much more to keep our bodies strong.

Let those who think I have said too little and those who think I have said too much, forgive me; and let those who think I have said just enough thank God with me.