If the mind exists,
It can be controlled,
But it does not.
Understand this truth by inquiry;
Seek the real, the Self

– Ramana Maharshi

Give up all questions except one: “Who am I?”

After all, the only fact you are sure of is that you are.

The “I am” is certain. The “I am this” is not.

Struggle to find out what you are in reality.

– Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj

There are ten days of rice in my bag
And, by the hearth, a bundle of firewood.
Who prattles of illusion or nirvana?
– Ryokan (1757-1831)

The great path is clearly before your eyes,
But the ignorant who are deluded
And confused cannot recognize it.
It is in one thought of the mind.
So why search for it elsewhere?

– Pao-chih

It is a great misfortune for those
Engaged in learning to take the
Sayings of the sages as mere
Verbal exercises.

– Xue Xuan (1389-1464)

Awakened to this subtle sound.
The nature of body and mind
Is wonderful;
Their functions
Need not be altered.

– Master Fu (497-569)

And this nature is the mind.
And the mind is the buddha.
And the buddha is the path.
And the path is zen.
But the word zen is one that remains a puzzle to both mortals an sages.
Seeing your nature is zen.
Unless you see your nature, it’s not zen.

– Bodhidharma (d. 533)

In field nor mountain,
Nothing stirs
On this snowy morning.

– Chiyo-Ni (1701-1775)

Cold clouds bringing rain
Into the crannies of the mountains:
Everyone was born with the same sort of eyes –
Why do mine keep seeing things as Zen koans?

– Dogen