In attachment blossoms fall,
and in aversion weeds spread.

– Genjo Koan

Closed out the old year
And held a dream of spring behind
My shut eyes…til now
This morning I opened them to see
It’s really come into the world.

– Saigyo (1118 – 1190)

To carry yourself forward and experience myriad things is delusion.
That myriad things come forth and experience themselves is awakening.

It is only when you are able to fully close your eyes,
that you will see the world as it is

Student:`In phenomena, what is true?’
Master: `The very phenomena are themselves truth.’
Student: `Then how should it be revealed?’
The master lifted the tea tray.

Though I think not
To think about it,
I do think about it
And shed tears
Thinking about it.

– Ryokan (1758-1831)

Live in love
And do your work;
Make amends of your sorrows;
For just as the jasmine
Releases and lets fall
Its withered flowers,
Let fall willfulness and hatred.

– The Dharmapada

Do not feel overwhelmed by the length of this journey.
All you ever need do is focus on one thing,
what you are doing.

Stay on the path,
put one foot in front of the other
– that is all.

There is joy in the struggle.

– PT Sudo

You never step in the same river twice.