We don’t meditate to see heaven, but to end suffering.
AJAHN CHAHTo the birds, the fruit may be sweet or sour or whatever. The birds say sweet or they say sour, but from the tree’s point of view, this is just the chattering of birds.
More Ajahn Chah Quotes
-
-
If you haven’t cried deeply a number of times, your meditation hasn’t really begun.
AJAHN CHAH -
The one who recognizes the uncertainty of phenomena is the Dharma within you.
AJAHN CHAH -
Another man understands that nature of the river is to change constantly, regardless of his likes and dislikes, and therefore he does not suffer.
AJAHN CHAH -
Just know what is happening in your mind – not happy or sad about it, not attached. If you suffer see it, know it, and be empty. It’s like a letter – you have to open it before you can know what’s in it.
AJAHN CHAH -
Better to begin practice without delay. I am like a good friend inviting you to go somewhere. Do not hesitate, just get going. You won’t regret it.
AJAHN CHAH -
Do everything with a mind that lets go. Do not expect praise or reward.
AJAHN CHAH -
Looking for peace is like looking for a turtle with a mustache: You won’t be able to find it. But when your heart is ready, peace will come looking for you.
AJAHN CHAH -
To define Buddhism without a lot of words and phrases, we can simply say, ‘Don’t cling or hold on to anything. Harmonize with actuality, with things as they are.’
AJAHN CHAH -
We protect virtue so that virtue will protect us.
AJAHN CHAH -
Do not try to become anything. Do not make yourself into anything. Do not be a meditator. Do not become enlightened.
AJAHN CHAH -
You will witness all kinds of scenes and actors, all kinds of temptations and stories, everything imaginable.
AJAHN CHAH -
Sati is life. Whenever we don’t have sati, when we are heedless, it’s as if we are dead.
AJAHN CHAH -
When nature finally calls, they have no idea where to go and are in a mess.
AJAHN CHAH -
All religions are like different cars all moving in the same direction. People who don’t see it have no light in their hearts.
AJAHN CHAH -
Look at your own mind. The one who carries things thinks he’s got things, but the one who looks on sees only the heaviness. Throw away things, lose them, and find lightness.
AJAHN CHAH






