"Not Always So -- This is the secret of the teaching. It may be so, but it is not always so. Without being caught by words or rules, without many preconceived ideas, we actually do something, and doing something, we apply our teaching. . . .You may feel some resistance to this Zen way of life or to your life in the world, but don't be lost in resistance. Do you understand? If you are deeply involved in resistance or fight, you will lose yourself. You will lose your strength, lose your friends, lose your parents. You will lose everything, your confidence, the brightness of your eyes. Look at your face in the mirror to see if you are still alive or not. Even though you practice zazen, if you don't stop being fooled, it won't help at all. . . .Let's practice hard, while we are still a little bit alive." ~~Suzuki Roshi

         "May the sound of the bell spread throughout the universe, making darkness bright, relieving the three realms of suffering, shattering swords. May it bring all beings to Enlightenment." ~ ~ Morning Bell Chant, adapted from the Kwan Um School of Zen

    "Creations are numberless; I vow to save them.  Delusions are inexhaustible; I vow to put an end to them. Reality is boundless; I vow to perceive it. The enlightened way is unsurpassable; I vow to embody it." ~~One Heart Sangha Four Vows