Master Bodhidharma‘s “Treatise on Awakening the Mind“
“Directly point to the heart, see your true nature, and become a Buddha. Transmit teachings beyond scriptures, rely on no words.”
“Directly point to the heart, see your true nature, and become a Buddha” means that the core of spiritual practice lies in looking inward. It’s about recognizing the pure, innate Buddha-nature within yourself without relying on external rituals or complex practices.
“Transmit teachings beyond scriptures, rely on no words” suggests that Zen teachings do not depend on written texts or words. Instead, Zen emphasizes personal experience and direct understanding. True insight comes not from studying theory but from living fully in the moment and discovering wisdom in action.
Zen is not something abstract or inaccessible. It exists in the simplicity of daily life—drinking a cup of tea, hearing the chirping of birds, or immersing yourself in the present. By letting go of distractions and focusing on the now, you embody Zen in its purest form.
Master Huineng‘s “Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch“
“The Bodhi is not a tree, nor is the mind a mirror bright. Since there is nothing from the start, where could dust alight?”
“The Bodhi is not a tree, nor is the mind a mirror bright” teaches us that enlightenment does not rely on external forms. The pure nature of the mind is not like a mirror that requires polishing because Buddha-nature is formless, undefiled, and inherently clear.
“Since there is nothing from the start, where could dust alight?” further explains that our true nature has always been pure from the very beginning. Worries and attachments are mere illusions. If we can see through these delusions and return to our true self, we can free ourselves from worldly constraints and live with inner freedom and wisdom.
This verse highlights that the key to practice is removing unnecessary thoughts and attachments. By letting go of all extra burdens, we discover that the simplicity of everyday moments is the closest reflection of our true essence.
Master Linji Yixuan‘s “Record of Linji“
“The one who has nothing to do is the noble person.”
“The one who has nothing to do is the noble person” means that a person who is at peace, free from worries and attachments, is truly noble. This “nothing to do” does not mean that life is devoid of tasks or responsibilities, but rather that the heart is free from troubles, unburdened by external gains, losses, or judgments.
Master Linji Yixuan emphasizes that the essence of practice lies in letting go of inner obsessions and attachments. By embracing acceptance, adaptability, and a serene state of mind, one can fully experience the beauty and clarity of life. When the heart is free from disturbances, it reveals wisdom and liberation.
This teaching reminds us that true nobility is not found in external possessions or status, but in the freedom of an untroubled heart.
Master Zhaozhou Congshen‘s “Record of Zhaozhou“
“Go have some tea.”
“Go have some tea” may seem like an ordinary phrase, but it reflects Master Zhaozhou’s profound wisdom about life and Zen practice. He reminds us that Zen is not found in complex theories or distant ideals but in every action we take in the present moment. Whether drinking tea, eating, or walking, fully engaging in the act itself is the embodiment of Zen.
The essence of this teaching lies in letting go of the question “What is Zen?” and instead immersing yourself in the present action without overthinking. Through such mindful practice in daily life, ordinary moments reveal extraordinary clarity and wisdom. Zen is not something mysterious—it is the simplicity of a cup of tea and the mindfulness of living in the now.
Master Huangbo Xiyun‘s “Essentials of Mind Transmission”
“Outside the mind, there is no Dharma; outside the Dharma, there is no mind.”
“Outside the mind, there is no Dharma; outside the Dharma, there is no mind” means that all teachings of Buddhism originate from the mind, and the essence of the mind itself is the Dharma. Without the mind, there are no true teachings, and without the Dharma, the nature of the mind cannot be understood.
Master Huangbo emphasizes that spiritual practice does not require seeking outside oneself because Buddha-nature and enlightenment are fundamentally rooted within. The quest for truth is an inward journey to discover the inherent wisdom of the mind.
This teaching reminds us that the core of practice lies in internal realization, rather than adherence to external forms or doctrines. By deeply understanding that “the mind is the Dharma, and the Dharma is the mind,” one can transcend the duality of inner and outer, gaining insight into the universal truth.
Master Baizhang Huaihai‘s “Rules of Purity“
“A day without work is a day without food.”
“A day without work is a day without food” means that both practitioners and ordinary people must contribute through labor and effort to deserve the rewards they enjoy. Master Baizhang emphasizes that true practice is not about escaping life, but about engaging with it fully, using work and action as tools to cultivate the mind.
This teaching highlights that Zen is not confined to meditation or scriptures. It is present in every act of daily effort. By actively participating in the labor of life, one can truly understand the Zen principle of “learning through doing and awakening through action.” Integrating practice into everyday work allows one to become a genuine and grounded practitioner of the Way.
Master Mazu Daoyi‘s “Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp“
“This very mind is Buddha.”
“This very mind is Buddha” means that each person’s innate mind is Buddha-nature. There is no need to search externally or rely on other forms of practice. By recognizing the inherent purity and authenticity of your own mind, you can directly perceive the truth and realize Buddhahood.
Master Mazu emphasizes that the core of practice lies not in outward pursuits but in returning to the inner self. The mind itself is the Buddha, and this Buddha-nature is present in every moment of daily life.
This teaching reminds us not to underestimate ourselves, as everyone has the potential to awaken and realize their Buddha-nature. By embracing this truth and awakening in the present moment, we can transcend limitations and achieve ultimate freedom and liberation.
Master Nanquan Puyuan‘s “Jingde Record of the Transmission of the Lamp“
“The ordinary mind is the Way.”
“The ordinary mind is the Way” means that the true path does not lie in special practices or extraordinary states but in maintaining an ordinary mindset in daily life. Master Nanquan emphasizes that the Way is a natural, effortless state of mind that calmly embraces everything without clinging to joy or resisting sorrow.
This teaching reminds us that there is no need to seek the Way or strive for transcendence elsewhere. Instead, we should approach every moment of life with an ordinary mind—whether eating, sleeping, or working. By maintaining focus and tranquility, profound Zen wisdom and liberation can be found within the simplicity of everyday life.
