Now and again I come across some Zen sayings that point to the essence of Zen lying in becoming one with our everyday activities. This is a spirituality unlike theism or supernaturalism. It promotes a reduction of the conceptualizing mind to the pure and empty awareness of action. Simple humble immediacy of the mundane flow of life living itself. A state of awakenness to the passage of being itself. How do we cultivate this state? Here's some sayings to ponder:
‘Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.’
– Alan Watts
"When an ordinary man attains knowledge, he is a sage; when a sage attains understanding, he is an ordinary man."
- Anonymous
If you understand, things are just as they are... If you do not understand, things are just as they are..."
- Anonymous
"Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine."
- Shunryu Suzuki
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” Zen proverb.
"When hungry, eat your rice; when tired close your eyes. Fools may laugh at me, but wise men will know what I mean."
‘Zen does not confuse spirituality with thinking about God while peeling potatoes. Zen spirituality is just to peel the potatoes.’
– Alan Watts
"When an ordinary man attains knowledge, he is a sage; when a sage attains understanding, he is an ordinary man."
- Anonymous
If you understand, things are just as they are... If you do not understand, things are just as they are..."
- Anonymous
"Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine."
- Shunryu Suzuki
“Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” Zen proverb.
"When hungry, eat your rice; when tired close your eyes. Fools may laugh at me, but wise men will know what I mean."