“The purpose of Zen is the perfection of character”
Yasutani Roshi
“We could say that meditation doesn't have a reason or doesn't have a purpose. In this respect it's unlike almost all other things we do except perhaps making music and dancing. When we make music we don't do it in order to reach a certain point, such as the end of the composition. If that were the purpose of music then obviously the fastest players would be the best. Also, when we are dancing we are not aiming to arrive at a particular place on the floor as in a journey. When we dance, the journey itself is the point, as when we play music the playing itself is the point. And exactly the same thing is true in meditation. Meditation is the discovery that the point of life is always arrived at in the immediate moment.”
Alan Watts
“Nothing is perfect, save for imperfection. Reaching for true perfection is an off hand illusion. Only when we strive for these goals that don't exist do we grow weary and tepid. Now happiness on the other hand? That can be done.”
Dominic C. Howarth
“Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while one is peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.”
“My Zen teacher also said: the only way to true happiness is to live in the moment and not worry about the future. Of course, he died penniless and single. [Carrie]”
Sex and the City
“Children are natural Zen masters; their world is brand new in each and every moment.”
John Bradshaw
“Surfing soothes me, it's always been a kind of Zen experience for me. The ocean is so magnificent, peaceful, and awesome. The rest of the world disappears for me when I'm on a wave.”
Paul Walker
