Wisdom words

[mulyo13]

Jing Si Aphorisms - Master Cheng Yen (Tzu Chi)



While working, learn; while learning, awaken to the many truth of life.


Over time, we can build great character, achieve great success, and cultivate great virtue.


Use wisdom to contemplate the meaning of life. Use resolve to organize the time you are given.


When walking, as we step one foot forward, we lift the other foot up. In the same way, we should let go of yesterday and focus on today.


The future is an illusion, the past is a memory. Hold on to the goodness that is in our heart at this present moment
and take care to fulfill the duties that we have at hand.


Transient though life may be, one's contribution will live on; as we love knows no boundaries, its spirit will always remain.


A person with a generous heart and compassion for all beings leads the most blessed life.


To willingly undergo hardship for sake of helping others is compassion.


Those who have great wisdom must all the more be humble and unassuming, just like the rice stalk that bows under the weight of ripe grain.


Only those who respect themselves have the courage to be humble.


To be humble is shrink our ego until we are small enough to enter another's eyes and reside in their heart and mind.


To regard ourself lightly is prajna(wisdom). To regard our self highly is attachment.


People who are preoccupied with past achivements cannot humble themselves.


We start to slacken the minute we find excuses for our self.


To shoulder a burden is an inspiring force. To admit a mistake is a noble virtue.


It is easy to reflect on major mistakes, and hard to eliminate small bad habits.


Repentance purifies the mind; a pure mind can readily sweep away afflictions.


The hardest thing for people to see is them self.


Nothing is impossible with confidence, perseverance, and courage.


We must carry out our task according to principles, and not let our principles be compromised by our task.


Abide by your principles in everything you do. Never do thing just to satisfy others. For rather than satifsfying them,
you may get in over your head.


Good action require everyone's cooperation, so let's not cling to personal biases.


In handling matters, let your mind influence your heart. In dealing with people, let your heart influence your mind.


The beauty of a group lies in the refinement of its individuals.


A refined disposition is naturally expressed in the way a person walks, lives, sits, and sleeps.


Because seeing virtue in others is in itself a virtue, in appreciating others, we in fact dignify ourselves.


Material object were meant to be tools for us to use. Yet, lacking wisdom, we are perpetually discontent, and we thus become enslaved by the material objects.


How bitter life is when we have desires. Our demands on others bring endless misery.


If we can reduce our desires, there is nothing really worth getting upset about.


One who is content is immensely broadhearted. A broadhearted person will not be in dispute with others over any matter.


Know your blessings, cherish them and sow more blessings.


The ocean can be filled, yet the tiny mouth of a human being can never be filled.


The fist step on a path of Buddhism is to lessen our desires and be satisfied with what we have. Then our mind will relax and we will begin to gain wisdom.


When we treat others with loving-kindness, we will not stir up ill feelings, and we will able to form good relationships with others.


Bodhisattvas are not idol made of wood; real Bodhisattvas are people who eat, talk, work, and relieve suffering in times of need.


Everyone has a Buddha nature, and a Bodhisattva's strength and spirit.


Dharma is very simple: eliminate greed, malice, and ignorance, and you will discover your own true nature.


Be faithful and honest from deep inside, this is the essence of spiritual cultivation.


There is no need to learn many teaching. If we can put one simple verse into practice, we can awaken our true nature of goodness.


Every single day is like a blank page of our life. Every person we meet, every event we participate in is a lively essay.


The behavior of a person during his lifetime, be it good or evil, is accumulated over time.


Doing nothing and idling time away consumes life. Giving to others with total dedication creates life.


If we don't do something meaningful. our life will pass be in vain, but if we work unceasingly, for the betterment of mankind, ours will be a beautiful life.


Be careful and mindful when dealing with others, but do not be narrow-minded.


To have two good hands and refuse to work is no different than having no hands at all.


Do not think too highly of yourself, and yet, never underestimate your ability.


To live in peace, we must have inner peace. To have inner peace, we must have a clear conscience. When our conscience is
clear and our mind at peace, we bring peace and bliss to those around us.


Continue even when it is hard to go on, release even when it is hard to let go, endure even when it is hard to bear, this is how we build our character.


Speak kind words, think good thoughts, do good deeds, and walk the right path.


When you view the world from a different perspective, the world becomes vast and wide. Try shifting your perspective
in everything you do, and all will be light and easy.


Be honest and truthful in everything you do. Be gentle and forgiving in your relationships with others.


Life becomes meaningful when we shoulder responsibilities. Avoiding responsibilities makes our life empty.


Do not ask for less responsibility to be free and relaxed -- ask for more strength.


Rather than worry about the condition of our society, why not replace it with confidence and with dedication to contribute with loving-kindness?


Even the tiniest bolt must be screwed on tightly in order to perform its best.


In the face of adversity, be grateful, for such opportunities do not come by easily.


When conflict and adversity arise, always preserve a spacious heart.


Forgive those who unintentionally hurt us. Do not be someone who easily hurt by others.


When life is safe and smooth, we can easily lose our direction. Yet even a small setback or misfortune can awaken our conscience, and nurture the seed of kindness.


Believe in yourself, but do not be attached to your own point of view.


Atheism is better than superstition. Faith must guided by wisdom.


A wise believer understands the essence of Buddhism. Those who are superstitious misinterpret the virtue of religion.


When one has correct faith, one will not go wrong on a journey of life.


False understanding leads to superstition, the search for answer from psychics and soothsayers; in this way, we cannot realize the ultimate truth of the teaching.


The process of spiritual cultivation is to nurture virtue and rectify conduct and behavior.


To walk the same path of spiritual cultivation means practitioners unite to inspire each other and reflect on weaknesses
in behavior and conduct.


Born into this world, we are always with people; hence spiritual cultivation cannot be achieved in isolation.


When our spirit and actions are in harmony; when our heart and thoughts are in accord, that is deep meditation.


Precepts allow our mind to be free from disturbance. Equanimity allows us to be calm under adversity. Wisdom allows us to take Control of the mind and change our destiny.


We cannot love when filled with suspicion. We cannot trust when filled with doubts. We cannot forgive when unwilling to believe.


The more mistrust we feel, the less confidence we have.


A truly successful person is accepted by everyone and accepts everyone.


How can we be free from the suffering of birth and death? Only when we nurture our heart with joy and unselfish giving can we truly release our attachments.


Let go of all worries, only then will you experience the happiness of a compassionate heart.


To give with joy is to help others with a happy mood.


Manny seek illumination by lighting up a lamp, when the true light is within.


Our mind is like a garden; if no good seed are sown, nothing good will grow from it.


Our thoughts and actions create our destiny of heaven or hell.


Even if every road lead to Rome, when our mind is indecisive, constantly wandering, and unable to concentrate, we will never make it to our destination.


When doing something, instead of worrying or being vexed about it, we should just be mindful.


If our view is incorrect, our action will not be right; if our thinking is biased, everything we do will be wrong.


Learn to remain undisturbed in the tumult of people and events, Remain at peace inside yourself even when busy and occupied.


A wise person is able to let go. To let go is actually to receive, to receive boundless happiness.


Spiritual wisdom is cultivated in the interplay of people, objects, and events. To escape from reality, to keep away from
people and events, provides no means to nurture wisdom.


People often feel upset because they take careless remarks too seriously.


Giving with an expectation for return brings misery.


Craving not only brings misery, but also leads the way to moral ruin.


Suffering is caused by man's endless desire, which draws people to do evil and create bad karma.


Worry is a poisonous snake that sleep in the mind; the moment you disturb it, the snake will bite you.


All worries in life flow from three poisons; greed, malice and ignorance.


It is more of a blessing to serve others than to be served.


Each time we forgive others, we are, in fact, sowing blessing. The more magnanimity we show, the more blessing we enjoy.


Those who sow the seeds of blessing shall harvest plentiful blessing.


The expressions on our face and the tone of our voice all communicate to others. So smile and speak softly; preserve a gentle attitude.


Be clear and complete when you talk and listen. Do not pick one sentence here, and one sentence there; or you may by accident intensely hurt someone.


Be forgiving towards others. Be discreet in your speech.


To win the hearts of others and always be welcomed, we must be cautious of our tone of voice and facial expression.


It is never too late for a deep-rooted affinity to blossom. Do not worry of a distant journey as long as one finds the way.


Making vows without taking any action is like ploughing a field without planting any seeds; there is not harvest to reap.
This is letting opportunity pass us by.


Be grateful to your parents and to all sentient beings, everyday. In everything you do, never disappoint them.


Death is the new beginning of birth, birth is the new beginning if death. Birth and death, living and dying, are all part of the same cycle.


Do not just seek a rich material life for your family. It is more important for parent and child, and husband and wife to communicate and nurture harmonious, and close relationships.


Birds have nests; people have home. If family members live far apart, how can they have a happy family life?


You must be free of ego when you are with others, so expand your heart, be courteous, cooperative, and loving.


Life is full of illness. Disease is illness, family dispute is illness, social unrest is illness.


To have a warm and happy family, we should nurture a heart of joy and shower our family with blessings.


Never lose courage. Never lose faith. Nothing in this world is impossible when you are determined.


Regardless how far the journey is or how capable we are, we do our best to reach our goal. This is perseverance at its best.


Hard-work signifies persistence and patience. To achieve great accomplishments, we must have a hardworking spirits.


True blessings flow from our ability to love, and be loved by others.


Learn to develop pure and unconditional love; a love that has no sense of gain or loss, that asks for nothing in return.
In this way we can be free of worries.


A love with conditions attached would never last. Only pure, unconditional love will last forever.


Love is just like a cup of tea; when properly mixed, it has a wonderful light aroma. If it is too strong, it will be too bitter to drink.


Every achievement grows out of the seed of determination.


Don't underestimate yourself, for human beings have unlimited potential.


The journey of a thousand miles begins with one first step. Even the saint was once an ordinary human being.


To begin is easy, to persist, difficult. Talking about the truth without practicing it leads neither to enlightenment nor realizing the Dharma.


We should not idle away out time, and drift in frivolous thoughts. It is best to nurture our innate goodness and develop our ability to help others.


When we have nothing to do and idle away our time, our spirit become weak and life seem meaningless.


A fulfilling life is not preoccupied with material objects, prestige, or power. It is a life that is filled with true friendship, sharing, and caring for each other.


To not take things in life so seriously is not a negative, resigned attitude; it is a happy and proactive one. It does not mean giving up hope; it is a genuine insight into the real purpose of life.


To not take things in life so seriously does not mean being indifferent; rather, it implies the attitude of grasping every opportunity to good. It does not mean now owing anything, but being content with whatever you have.


Our accomplishments in life are build on the words and actions we make every day thus we must be discreet in our daily speech and behavior.


To give is better than to receive.


Give without expectation, and give with gratitude.

Giving is not the privilege of the rich, it is the privilege of the sincere.

[mulyo13]

108 Adages of Wisdom I - Master Sheng Yen - Dharma Drum Mountain



Uplifting Character
Our needs are few; our wants are many.

To be grateful and repay kindness—this is first; to benefit others is to benefit ourselves.


Devote wholehearted effort without calculating who does or gains more.


Kindness and compassion have no enemies; wisdom engenders no vexations.


The busy make the most of time; the diligent enjoy the best of health.


Those who give selflessly are blessed; those who do good deeds are happy.


Cultivate a big heart—but a small ego.


To take on anything, one must first be able to let go. One is truly free who can take on and let go of anything in peace.


Know yourself and others, and the ways of the world, so as to have a peaceful body and mind. Recognize, cherish, and nurture your blessings, and seize every chance to be of service.


For those who can take things on and let them go in peace, every year is an auspicious year. For those who can sow with wisdom the seeds of blessings, every day is a good day.


Maintain a relaxed body and mind, and meet and greet with a smile. Relaxation enhances physical and mental health, and a smiling face promotes friendship.


Before you open your mouth to speak, think twice and chew your words carefully. The point is not to hold your peace, but to speak with discretion and prudence.


Try to cultivate this attitude in life: if I can have what I want, that's good; if I can't, that's fine too. This will help us turn our suffering into joy, and live a happier life.


To uplift our character, begin with cultivating peace in mind, body, family, and activity.


In dealing with your heart's desire, ask yourself these questions: Do I need it, or do I want it? Can I acquire it? Should I acquire it?


To get along with others, we must feel grateful for events that help us grow, feel thankful for chances to hone ourselves, reform ourselves through the Dharma, and inspire others through exemplary behavior.


When faced with any difficulty of life, resolve it by following these four steps: face it, accept it, deal with it, and then let it go.


To increase our blessings we need to recognize blessings, cherish blessings, nurture blessings, and sow the seeds of blessings.


Pursue only what you can and should acquire. Never pursue what you can't and shouldn't acquire.


Gratitude can make us grow, and the resolve to return favors can help us succeed.


Feel thankful for the chances to hone ourselves: both good and ill fortune are our benefactors.


When good things happen, we should rejoice in, praise, encourage, and then learn from them in modesty.


To criticize less and praise more is a good way to avoid creating negative karma of speech.


An ordinary mind is a mind of utmost freedom and unsurpassed joy.


A solid step forward speaks louder than a hundred empty, fair words.


The more weaknesses you discover in yourself, the faster you will develop, and the more self-confident you will be.


Keep your ears and eyes wide open, but mouth tight shut; be quick with your hands and legs, but slow to spend.


Only after encounters with hardships will one be roused to vigorous diligence.


Be a down-to-earth person with a broad mind; be a sure hand with piercing foresight.


Enjoying Work
Be busy without being disorganized, and weary without being dispirited.

Be busy but happy, and tired but joyful.


It's fine to be busy: just don't let it get on your nerves.


Work swiftly, but don't tense up; relax your body and mind and never tighten up.


Work swiftly in an orderly fashion; never compete with time in a nervous flurry.


Don't measure success and gain by wealth and rank: to benefit ourselves and others as best we can is all that matters.


To take on tough tasks, one must prepare to tough out complaints, and to be in charge is to be in for criticism. Yet complaints help foster compassion and patience, and criticism often holds golden advice.


Stay at ease under all circumstances, and give whenever conditions allow.


The tripartite formula for success is: go with the causes and conditions, seize them as they come, and create them when they don't.


Grasp opportune conditions when they come, create them when there are none, and ere conditions ripen, never force a thing to be done.


All the ups and downs of life are nourishing experiences for our growth.


Deal with matters with wisdom, and care for people with compassion.


Rectify deviations with wisdom; accommodate others with compassion.


The deeper our compassion, the greater our wisdom and the fewer our vexations.


Simply deal with matters with wisdom and treat people with compassion, without worrying about personal gain or loss. Then we'll never be plagued by vexations.


To let the circumstances dictate one's state of mind is human; to let the mind dictate the circumstances is sage.


A big duck cuts a big wake; a small duck cuts a small wake. Big or small, each duck will paddle its own way to the other shore—but only if it paddles.


If the mountain won't move, build a road around it. If the road won't turn, change your path. If you are unable to even change your path, just transform your mind.


Diligence doesn't mean stretching beyond our limits. It means displaying unremitting persistence.


A passing boat leaves no trace upon the waters; a bird's flight leaves no trace in the sky. When fleeting success, failure, gain, or loss leaves no trace upon the heart, the great wisdom of liberation has been achieved.


To be accommodating to others is to be accommodating to ourselves.


Who is willing to be openly exploited is noble-minded; who is insulted and insidiously exploited is dim-witted.


Pressure usually stems from caring too much about externals and other people's opinion.


Offer your service with a heart of gratitude, as if repaying a kindness, then you won't feel weary or tired.


Always feel gratitude in your heart, and give unstintingly of your wealth, physical strength, mental effort, and wisdom.


Living Life in Peace
The meaning of life lies in serving; the value of life in giving.


The purpose of life is to receive karmic results, fulfill old vows, and make new ones.


Our value depends not on how long we live, but on how much we contribute.


As the past has faded into misty memories, and the future remains a dream unrealized, seizing the present is most important.


There's no need to be concerned about the past or the future. Live fully in the present, and you are connected with both the past and the future.


Wisdom is not knowledge, nor experience, nor dialectical excellence, but a selfless attitude.


A positive life pivots on modesty; the bigger the ego, the greater the insecurity.


The noble pursue the path, the average pursue their duties, and the misguided pursue fame and fortune.


Live up to your role and status, and fulfill your required duties.


In peace and harmony, seize the promise of today, and live out a fresh tomorrow.


While worry fuels unnecessary torment, carefulness breeds security.


Wealth is like running water, and giving like digging a well. Just as the deeper the well, the more water it holds, the more you give, the more wealth you have.


In life, we must make the best preparations, and be ready for the worst.


As long as we still have breath, we have boundless hope, and the breath we have is the greatest wealth.


Those who aid and deliver the suffering are bodhisattvas, and those in the throes of suffering are great bodhisattvas.


To transcend the sufferings of birth, old age, and sickness, keep to the three principles: live happily, face illness with a healthy mind, and embrace old age with hope.


To transcend the suffering of death, keep to the three principles: never seek death, never fear death, and never wait for death to come.


Death is an occasion for neither mourning nor celebrating, but one for solemn Buddhist practice.


Every child is a little bodhisattva that helps the parents grow.


With adolescents, we should care, but not worry about them; guide, but not control them; and communicate with, but not command them.


To love your children, rather than worry about them, just give them your blessings!


The relationship between a husband and wife is governed by marital ethics, not logic.


By just picking up litter and refraining from littering, we are doing meritorious deeds.


Vision is derived from wisdom; luck, from blessings.


To crave your likes but reject your dislikes will plunge you into constant anxiety. Once there, you are prey to vexations.


Those content with few desires will never want.


Bodily ailments do not necessarily constitute suffering. An unsettled mind does.


To eliminate the suffering induced by an unsettled mind, just start reciting Guanyin's name to restore your inner peace.


What we have now is the best. He who can never be satisfied is a poor man, no matter how much he owns.


Don't try to control your negative emotions by suppressing them. Rather, dissolve them through contemplation, reciting the Buddha's name, or praying.


Building a Pure Land
May good words be spoken by all; may good deeds be done by all; then may the fortunes of all be transformed.


May all speak good words; may all do good deeds; then all may transform their fortunes.


If everyone can just say one more good word or do one more good deed every day, all the small good will add up to a great good for society.


If an urgent task is waiting to be done, come forward and say, "I'll do it!"


In harmony with self and so with others, both in mind and in speech, one is full of joy and happiness.


In harmony with the inner and so with the outer, with causes in harmony with conditions, in peace and well-being one is truly free.


To seek inner peace is to enjoy peace in life; to care for others is to attain happiness.


Virtues are equal to fortunes, and giving is equal to saving.


To give of oneself is to cultivate the path; to achieve inner peace is to succeed on the path.


Possessing much won't necessarily make one satisfied; possessing little won't necessarily make one want.


What you have results from karmic causes that you created, and what you'll gain hinges on karmic causes that you're creating.


The good are never alone, and the kindhearted are the merriest. Those who help others and so benefit themselves are the happiest.


To develop good interpersonal relationships, one needs to broaden the mind, and be more affable and tolerant.


Change your mind-set, and you will see the world differently: there is no absolute good or bad in this world.


Building good interpersonal relationships requires communication. When communication fails, try compromise. And if attempts at compromise also fail, then forgive and tolerate.


The larger should tolerate the lesser; the lesser should understand the larger.


Put your heart and soul into the family, and your whole life into your career.


The best way to abstain from greed is to give more, contribute more, and share more with others.


Tolerance is the best solution to differences.


Buddhists have two great missions: one is to glorify the buddha land, and the other is to bring sentient beings to spiritual maturity.


Be a bottomless trash can that can never be choked by others' mental junk; be a dustless mirror that reflects the world as it is with no distortion.


To dissolve vexations within the heart is wisdom; to share interests with others is compassion.


Scrutinize ourselves with a sense of shame, but view the world with a sense of gratitude.


To purify the mind, start by reducing desires and knowing contentment; to purify society, start by extending loving care to others.

[mulyo13]

108 Adages of Wisdom II - Master Sheng Yen - Dharma Drum Mountain



Living a Carefree Life
Be humble to those below and show respect to those above. These are important lessons for a bodhisattva practitioner.


Dedication rather than competition. Cherish blessings rather than indulgence.


Love yourself, others, and all sentient beings; rescue yourself, others, and all sentient beings.


An altruistic mind is a pure mind that does not ask for any result or reward.


The essence of possession and giving is love , but, one benefits the self, the second benefits others. Possession is self craving; giving stems from a great love that is selfless, joyful, and equanimous.


Self-disciplined by principle the bodhisattva does not demand of others what is inappropriate or impossible.


A bodhisattva is broad-minded and big-hearted. He is the steppingstone and path to accomplishment for others.


When others misunderstand you, first realize that the fault lies with you.


At a task think of others; in a mistake, look to yourself.


Accomplish your own ends by honoring others; reconcile hostility with respect to others; increase harmony with praise of others.


One who cannot let go of himself lacks wisdom; one who cannot let go of others lacks compassion.


Greet others with a blessing, gain friendship and peace at the same time.


Show friendship and extend a helping hand and you will emit the radiance of harmony, happiness, and peace.


Less quarreling leads to less controversy; more sincerity leads to more peace.


To affirm your strengths is self-confidence; to know your defects is growth; to understand others is respect.


Care for sentient beings and let go of your achievement.


When working together with a subordinate, show concern not blame, encouragement not arrogance, consultation not authority.


A forceful and stubborn person only hurts others without helping himself; a mild and patient person is at peace with himself and others.


To calm people you must harmonize with them. To gain respect, be a person who is mild and patient, for harmony unites people and mildness diffuses severity.


The meaning of life lies in constant learning and dedication; helping others leads to self-growth.


If wisdom is your measure, you will refrain from idle chatter.


Friendliness towards others brings a life of peace.


A bright person is not necessarily wise; a dull person not necessarily foolish. Wisdom is not the same as knowledge; it lies in how you treat others and handle yourself.


Compassion is to reduce others' vexations; wisdom is to reduce your own.


Do not force others to wear your shoes; do not confuse others' problems with your own.


Great merit lies in attending to others' suffering; Great wisdom lies in helping them solve their problems.


Once you realize that all phenomena in this world are impermanent, you will attain true inner peace.


Reap gratitude not hatred—you will live in harmony and joy.


A smile and a kind word are great giving that sow favorable conditions.


If you can reduce meaningless emotions, you will avoid unnecessary trouble.


Dedication repays gratitude; repentance disciplines the self.


Do your best to benefit others and in the process improve yourself. This is the measure of success.


How should you conduct yourself and deal with others? Be "square inside"—live by principle; and "round outside"—exercise expedience.

If you cannot help others, then at least refrain from hurting them.


Increase virtue in your speech; decrease ill will in speaking. These great merits will nurture blessings.


Living a Simple Life
Pursue what you will in harmony; keep hope in exertion.


Reduce the mind of gain and loss; and direct your effort to timely endeavor, and successful is likely.


The warmth of a family lies in mutual respect and love; the value of a family lies in mutual help and understanding.


As a boss, reduce the mind of gain and loss. Always keep honor and integrity in mind, so success will not pass you by.


When you hear gossip, calm down and examine yourself—correct mistakes and guard against new ones. Instability and impatience make gossip worse.


Suffering in our hearts increases our wisdom; hardship in our lives engenders appreciation of merit.


Life, always hopeful; death, always imminent.


Know clearly what you "need"; get rid of what you "want".


Treat the positive and the negative with a positive attitude.


With failure, strive again; with success, redouble your effort. This is the principle for peace and happiness in business.


Simplicity itself improves and protects the environment.


Maturity cares not about the past; wisdom does not doubt the present; an open-mind does not worry about the future.


Both favorable and unfavorable conditions strengthen us; treat them with equanimity and gratitude.


Treat past, future, fame, and position as not yours; try to live a happy and positive life; that itself is a life of bliss and freedom.


A diploma does not represent social standing; capability does not determine personality; fame does not bespeak virtue. No job is really high or low, only convention makes these distinctions.


Reconcile unhappiness with sincerity, affirmation, and decisiveness, rather than hesitation, passivity, and vacillation.


Worldly matters are never easy; but approach them with confidence and patience, and achievement will surely follow.


Live the present with no regret about the past and no regard for the future.


Reduce stress by diminishing the mind of gain and loss and increasing the mind of appreciation.


No resentment or regret about the past; active, positive preparation for the future with stability in every step.


Don't talk gratitude; act it.


Have no worry as you pass through the day. Find the right person; use the right method; the right moment will arise.


Abandon concern for gain and loss; an all-embracing wisdom appears before you.


Give your disease to the doctor and your life to the bodhisattva, then you'll be a healthy person with nothing to worry about.


A lack of self-understanding increases vexation.


Conduct yourself in this way: act with devotion, be at your best, always responsible and dutiful.


Employ "feelings" in personal concerns; "principle" in public matters.


Rather than attempt the impossible, cherish what you have.


Forget past, future, good and bad; stay only in the present.


If your really let go of everything, everything is tolerable; everything is yours.


Take up a method and you put forth effort; let go and you take it up again. Progress appears between taking up and letting go.


Do not compare with others; simply do your best.


Good and bad situations appear only through our eyes.


The end of a disaster is the time for the positive. Disaster has much to teach.


No greed or attachment—dignity is intact.


Cherish the present moment and each moment is unique.


Meddle in everything, problems and trouble multiply. Cast off gain and loss, you will experience liberation.


Happiness does not lie in fame or fortune, but in contentment and inner peace.


Keep your word; tell the truth with sincerity, use good words with goodwill— these are the merits of speech.


Ordinary people such as we should bear a sense of responsibility and let go of the mind of attachment.


Do not lose control in busyness, do not fall into boredom at leisure, the tide of life will not sway you this way and that.


When things go smoothly, do not let success go to your head; when encountering difficulties, do not lose heart.


Narrow-minded with no end to desire? then happiness will evade even the wealthy.


Maturing the Heart-Mind
Progress in simplicity, let glory shine in difficulty.


Strive for prosperity and show grace in adversity.


Possess a stable temperament and succeed.


A mind undistracted by circumstance is the result of meditation; a mind at one with circumstance is result of wisdom.


Take retreat as progress; silence as defense; devotion to others as the best way to self-growth.


The Buddha resides in our mind, speech, and daily life.


Compassion is feeling with intelligence; wisdom is intelligence with flexibility.


South, north, east, west are all fair direction; walking, standing, sitting, and lying are no other than the Path; bear contrition in mind often; repentance and repayment of gratitude yield the highest virtue.


A practitioner should be frank and sincere and harbor no evil thoughts; this is the meaning of "a straightforward mind is the path" (Vimalakirti Sutra).


When vexations occur, do not confront them head-on, but resolve them with a mind of shame, repentance, and gratitude.


To experience life wholeheartedly is Chan practice.


To possess health in body and mind is the greatest wealth.


Breathing is wealth and being alive is hope.


When the mind is knotted, best look inward where thoughts arise.


When vexed and troubled, enjoy the feeling of your own breathing.


When there is hindrance in the mind, the world is jarring; when there is no trouble in the mind, the world is in bright harmony.


When the mind is not open and clear, suffering occurs; when the mind is open and clear, suffering turns to happiness.


Rising and falling are normal conditions of the world. It takes a wise person to penetrate into the phenomena of rising and falling.


Turn your mind and turn your fate.


Wisdom is more than knowing the sutras; it means possessing the skill to transform vexations.


"Defilement is identical to enlightenment" does not mean that you do not have defilement, but that you do not treat defilement as defilement.


With even-mindedness and a peaceful disposition, life will be happy.


In facing anger, look within and examine the source of your anger.


When you are worried, you are occupied; when you let go, you are free.


Self-affirmation, self-improvement, and self-dissolution are three stages in the path from "self" to "no-self".


It is better to place emphasis on cultivating good causes rather than expecting pleasant results.


When you realize that you lack wisdom, your wisdom increases imperceptibly.


The mind should be like a wall—still and unwavering, yet always functioning.


Be like a dustless mirror that clearly reflects everything, but on which nothing adheres.


When people compete blindly, it is better to choose another path.

[yorra]

these are beautiful!! I have a few of these up on my walls as posters :)