Buddhist Monk

🇯🇵Taisen Deshimaru

Education

1914–1982

"You are the strongest and the others keep their distance. It is no longer necessary to win victories over them."

🇻🇳Thích Nhất Hạnh

Literature

Engaged Buddhism

1926–2022

"Chanting from the heart: Buddhist ceremonies and daily practices"

🇯🇵Hakuin Ekaku

Literature

Buddhism

1685–1768

"You know the sound of two hands clapping; tell me, what is the sound of one hand?"

🇫🇷Matthieu Ricard

Religion

b. 1946

"We must distinguish between spirituality in general terms, which aims to make us better people, and religion. Adopting a religion remains optional, but becoming a better human being is essential."

🇨🇳Xuanzang

Religion

Buddhism

"The ordinary people … are upright and honourable... They are faithful to their oaths and promises... In their behavior there is much gentleness and sweetness."

Shunryu Suzuki

Religion

Buddhism

1904–1971

"When we do not expect anything we can be ourselves. That is our way, to live fully in each moment of time."

🇮🇳Tilopa

Philosophy

988–1069

"Without mind, without meditation, without analysis, without practice, without the will, let it all be so."

🇯🇵Dōgen

Literature

1200–1253

"Just study Buddhism. Don't follow the sentiments of the world."

Ajahn Maha Bua

Religion

1913–2011

"When the mind becomes more refined, then whatever appears, whatever state arises, we are bound to know, and to know increasingly, in line with the strength of our own mindfulness and discernment."

🇯🇵Kodo Sawaki

Religion

1880–1965

"We stop the one who can't cease from seeking things outside, and practice with our bodies with a posture that seeks absolutely nothing. This is zazen."

🇨🇳Bai Juyi

Politics

"utilized Confucianism to order his conduct, utilized Buddhism to cleanse his mind, and then utilized history, paintings, mountains, rivers, wine, music and song to soothe his spirit."