By Souls of Silver
In the modern world, finding peace has become incredibly difficult due to the continuous commotion we have in our lives. All of us are in a constant hurry, trying to “settle down” in our lives. But is settling down ever an option. no, none of us actually sit and find time for ourselves. We constantly run after money, fame, family and in the process forget how important it is to take care of ourselves.
There are some very easy ways that can help you find enlightenment in your busy, occupied lives. One of them is the Zen method. Zen is a practice preached by Buddhism which emphasizes the importance of meditating in order to attain peace. it is not about the religion but about the practice itself. The masters of Zen preach that anyone and everyone can practice it if they put their minds to it.
So, here are five Zen Quotes that will motivate you towards your spiritual calling :-
“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” ― Lao Tzu
You always need to focus on your present situation rather than diverting your energy towards things which have already happened or things which might happen. The present is crucial, you can of course plan ahead, but steer clear of getting too involved in the future.
“When you think everything is someone else’s fault, you will suffer a lot. When you realize that everything springs only from yourself, you will learn both peace and joy.” ― Dalai Lama
All of us have a tendency to blame others when something goes wrong in our lives. But we need to learn to be able to get beyond that motion and accept that the fault lies within us. Change needs to begin from within. First focus on rectifying yourself then advise others. This will help you achieve calmness and peace in life.
The basic principles of Zen teachings are to relax and be at utmost peace with oneself. Like Osho said, “Zen is not effort. Effort is tension, effort is work, effort is to achieve something. Zen is not something to achieve. You are already that. Just relax, relax so deeply that you become a revelation to yourself.”
Through Zen, you will be able to achieve a state of complete acceptance. Through acceptance you will slowly achieve tranquility with yourself and your surroundings which included your work-life, family, friends etc. Peace lies within us, we just need to find it and we will be able to find it only if we seek it truly.
“When we meet real tragedy in life, we can react in two ways – either by losing hope and falling into self-destructive habits, or by using the challenge to find our inner strength. Thanks to the teachings of Buddha, I have been able to take this second way.” ― Dalai Lama
Tragedy strikes everyone at some point of their lives. The way we deal with them makes all the difference. We can either choose to wail and cry or choose to garner strength from that fall. It all depends on us. Zen teachings help you find that inner strength.
“Be master of mind rather than mastered by mind.”
Emotions make us flustered. Zen principles teach us to take the reins of our minds into our hands. Rather than letting the mind impact us negatively, we should be able to minimise the impact. And that can only be attained if we relax, breathe and meditate to gather insight into our minds.
