My Master's Robe: Memories of a Novice Monk

Even when we are not meditating, if we remain focused, the work of our mind still has the energy to cook the koan in our store consciousness. During sitting meditation we learn how to be mindful of ourbreath and our body; and during our daily activities, we focus our mind on what we are doing."

Perhaps the safest outfit to wear is made from loving kindness and compassion, and to live accordingly.

"Does that mean the practitioner has to meditate on the koan with each action, while eating, drinking, sitting, standing, walking, and lying down?""Precisely. But you must not think, Brother, that this effort to understand uses the reasoning mind. Rather, the practitioner focuses his mind on one thing, each action, in order to silenc

Records of High Monks and The Gateless Gate

If there was no taking care of the cows, no collecting of twigs and leaves, no carrying water, no growing potatoes, then there would no means for the practice of meditation.

At that moment I was usually studying the manual of mindful verses.

The contemplation we used when we went to the bathroom was, "May all beings be free from anger, greed, and delusion and from all wrongdoings."

For example, while carrying firewood from the mountains, your practice is to focus your thoughts on the act of carrying wood;

Another method is to look at a glass of water that is three or four yards away from you and concentrate your mind on that glass for ten to thirty minutes.

"Sweeping the ground of the monastery diligently makes happiness and understanding arise."