“When you paint Spring, do not paint willows, plums, peaches, or apricots – just paint Spring.”

If he cannot stop the mind that seeks after fame and profit, he will spend his life without finding peace.

Yet you must not cling to the words of the old sages either; they, too, may not be right. Even if you believe them, you should be alert so that, in the event that something superior comes along, you may follow that.

Although its light is wide and great, the Moon is reflected in a puddle one inch wide. The whole Moon and the entire sky is reflected in one dew drop on the grass.

That the self advances and confirms the ten thousand things is called delusion; that the ten thousand things advance and confirm the self is called enlightenment.

To escape from the world means that one’s mind is not concerned with the opinions of the world.

When we discover that the truth is already in us, we are all at once our original selves.

Do not miss the opportunity of offering even a single drop into the ocean of merit or a grain atop the mountain of the roots of beneficial activity.

Be moderate in eating and drinking. Mindful of the passing of time, engage yourself in zazen as though saving your head from fire.

If you do not get it from yourself, where will you go for it?

Students, when you want to say something, think about it three times before you say it. Speak only if your words will benefit yourselves and others. Do not speak if it brings no benefit.

When you walk in the mist, you get wet.

Learn the backward step that turns your light inward to illuminate your self. Body and mind of themselves will drop away, and your original face will be manifest.

Just practice good, do good for others, without thinking of making yourself known so that you may gain reward. Really bring benefit to others, gaining nothing for yourself. This is the primary requisite for breaking free of attachments to the Self.

In a mind clear as still water, even the waves, breaking, are reflecting its light.

To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by the ten thousand things.

You should study not only that you become a mother when your child is born, but also that you become a child.

Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.

Not only are they just great, nice guys; they’re some of the best musicians you’re likely to find.

I just think that, unfortunately, the president-elect [Donald Trump] has chosen to address every issue.

If I could find the right kind of property, get tied in with the right movie, I’d love to be involved, but I just find it hard to be motivated to do another screenplay right now.

Good sex isn’t just fun, it keeps us sane and happy. Having sex with someone makes us feel wanted, alive and potent.

You say that you are just a body, but inside of you is something greater than the Universe.

As a painter, I realized that what we see is just manifestation of unseen power.

A just city should favor justice and the just, hate tyranny and injustice, and give them both their just deserts.