Daily Wisdom Saying

Vajradhara · 12-02-2003, 09:31 PM

Namaste all,

this thread will be an ongoing update of pithy wisdom sayings from various traditions... my contributions will be mainly from the Buddhist and Taoist schools of thought. i would encourage any poster to contribute to this list if they would like.

without further ado...

Zen in its essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's being, and it points the way from bondage to freedom.

D.T. Suzuki

Vajradhara · 12-03-2003, 03:24 PM

I'm astounded by people who want to "know" the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown.

Woody Allen.

sjr · 12-03-2003, 06:19 PM

Let us endeavor so to live that when we come to die evan the undertaker will be sorry.

Mark Twain

Vajradhara · 12-04-2003, 03:21 PM

When the way comes to an end, then change -----

having changed, you pass through.

I ching

sjr · 12-04-2003, 07:11 PM

Radiant one,this experience may dawn between two breaths.After breath comes in and just before turning up.

Swami Lakshmanjoo

Vajradhara · 12-08-2003, 02:53 PM

The fish trap exists because of the fish; once you've gotten the fish, you can forget the trap. The rabbit snare exists because of the rabbit; once you've gotten the rabbit, you can forget the snare. Words exist because of meaning; once you've gotten the meaning, you can forget the words. Where can I find a man who has forgotten words so I can have a word with him? -- Zhuangzi

Vajradhara · 12-16-2003, 03:56 PM

A monk asked Chao-chou,

"I have just entered the monastery; please give me some guidance."

Chao-chou said,

"Have you eaten your rice gruel?"

The monk said, "Yes, i've eaten."

Chao-chou said,

"Then go wash your bowl."

Vajradhara · 12-17-2003, 03:54 PM

Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise.

Seek what they sought.

-Basho

Vajradhara · 12-22-2003, 08:27 PM

Our own life is the intrument with which we experiment with the truth.

-Thich Nhat Hanh

Vajradhara · 12-23-2003, 05:54 PM

The mystical is not how
the world is, but that it is.

-Ludwig Wittgenstein

Zazen · 12-23-2003, 09:01 PM

Bodhi is actually not a tree,
The mind not a mirror bright.
Buddha-nature is always tranquil,
Wherefore can dust alight?

Vajradhara · 01-06-2004, 10:21 PM

He who knows others is wise.

He who knows himself is enlightened.

Tao Te Ching

Adamante · 01-07-2004, 02:12 AM

Victory is reserved for those who are willing to pay it's price.

Sun Tzu

sjr · 01-08-2004, 07:05 AM

Though there are many paths
At the foot of the mountain
All those who reach the top
See the same moon.

Susma Rio Sep · 01-09-2004, 01:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vajradhara

I'm astounded by people who want to "know" the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown.

Woody Allen.

Confucius says something similar: We don't know yet how to live on earth, and we should save ourselves the trouble and time of looking to the after life. (Something like that...)

To all Buddhist and Zen enthusiasts here:

I am of the impression that whatever of wisdom for life Buddhism and its various schools have thought up, and their social, dietary, disciplinary, and physical and mental health prescriptions: they have been thought up and said by wise men from other realms and other times from the dawn of human society and language to the present.

Of course being Buddhist or Zen-ist gives the enhusiasts a label for which they can claim distinction and some sense of superior differentiation.

Susma Rio Sep