Author: John R

“These are the characteristics of the rational soul: self-awareness, self-examination, and self-determination. It reaps its own harvest..  It succeeds in its own purpose ..”—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 11.1–2

We lose very little by taking a beat to consider our own thoughts. Is this really so bad? What do I really know about this person? Why do I have such strong feelings here? By asking these questions, we’re less likely to be carried away by them or make a move on a mistaken or …

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We can’t live as both Jekyll and Hyde. Not for long, anyway. We have a choice: to stand with the philosopher and focus strenuously on the inside, or to behave like a leader of a mob, becoming whatever the crowd needs at a given moment. If we do not focus on our internal integration—on self-awareness—we …

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So yes, use Stoicism to manage difficulties. But don’t forget to ask: Is this really the life I want? Every time you get upset, a little bit of life leaves the body. Are these really the things on which you want to spend that priceless resource? Don’t be afraid to make a change—a big one.

If you apply expedient means to go on to seek intellectual understanding, this is like wanting to see your own eyes because you think you have no eyes if you cannot see them. If you just seek understanding, then you do not understand it. Just know that which does not understand; this is seeing essence. …

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Zen mind is not Zen mind. That is, if you are attached to Zen mind, then you have a problem, and your way is very narrow. Throwing away Zen mind, is correct Zen mind. Only keep the question, “What is the best way of helping other people?” – Seung Sahn

“All you need are these: certainty of judgment in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.”—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 9.6

“Think of the whole universe of matter and how small your share. Think about the expanse of time and how brief—almost momentary—the part marked for you. Think of the workings of fate and how infinitesimal your role.” – MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 5.24”

My zen hut leans at the summit. Clouds sail back and forth. A waterfall hangs in front. A mountain ridge crests in back. On a rock wall I sketched three buddhas. For incense there’s a plum branch in a jar. The fields below might be level. But can’t match a mountain home free of dust.

“If you don’t wish to be a hot-head, don’t feed your habit. Try as a first step to remain calm and count the days you haven’t been angry. I used to be angry every day, now every other day, then every third or fourth . . . if you make it as far as 30 days, thank God! …

Read more “The Chain Method”