When all thoughts of past and future have been cut off, there will also be no thought of the present.
Martine Batchelor
The Illusion of Attainment, by Kusan Sunim
In the course of one’s practice it is as though one has to take hold of the hua-t’ou [Koan] two or three times anew.
Investigation of the Live Word, by Taego Pou
Do not do anything (good or bad) and do not even do this not-doing; then straightaway one reaches that place where there is no concern for external affairs, that vast and peaceful place where there are absolutely no obstructing thoughts…
False Thought, by Ch’an Master Lai-kuo
The strength of false thought is great, so you ought to be afraid of it. And it is necessary that you get away from it. You want to get away from your false thought, but how much strength do you have? Its strength is waterproof; your strength only amounts to a single drop…
Solely from the Mind, by Kusan Sunim
If someone practises in this way, then whether walking, standing, sitting, lying, talking or not talking, in the midst of activity or nonactivity, the hwadu (Koan) will be always vivid…
We must not stay at the Zen of Words, by Haechun Sunim
We can say, ‘As yet, I do not know for myself, but the Buddha said this … And Bodhidharma said that… Let’s practice together in this way.’ This is fine! Who knows, the student may awaken before the teacher. In Buddhism, there is the saying: Although there might be a hierarchy according to who has entered the temple first, in awakening, there is no hierarchy, there is no line — it is according to our roots and our efforts.’
Have You Awakened? by Kusan Sunim
For the ninety days of this winter retreat people from nine different countries have gathered here. The times and seasons of all countries are not the same. Thus when it is winter here, it is summer elsewhere; and when it is daytime here, it is night-time elsewhere.
North, south, east and west being void, they form a single house.
Tea in Korea, by Sonhae Sunim
Green tea is chosen over other beverages because of its subtlety. In order to fully appreciate it the mind must be quiet and empty of distracting thoughts. If you talk while drinking, it is likely that you will miss the fullness of the taste. And as the ability to appreciate the subtle taste develops over the years, the person changes accordingly…
Buddhism now 