“The first and foremost aim of Zen, consequently, is to break the net of our concepts -which is why it has been termed by some a philosophy of "no mind." A number of schools of Occidental psychological therapy hold that what we all most need an are seeking is a meaning for our lives. For some, this may be a help; but all it helps is the intellect, and when the intellect sets to work on life with its names and categories, recongnitions of relationship and definitions of meaning, what is inwardmost is readily lost. Zen, on the contrary, holds the realization that life and the sense of life are antecent to meaning; the idea being to let life come and not name it. It will then push you right back to where you live- where you are, and not where you named.”
Quote by Joseph Campbell
Book:Myths to Live By
Work
Myths to Live By
Browse quotes and source details for this work. more
Author
You May Also Like
“Make the practice pleasant, that is what I beg you to do.”
Source: The Ultimate Dimension : An Advanced Dharma Retreat on the Avatamsaka and Lotus Sutras
Source: Touching Peace: Practicing the Art of Mindful Living
Source: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice
Source: Zen Light
Source: Bright Eyes: A Kunoichi Tale
Source: Enjoying the Ultimate: Commentary on the Nirvana Chapter of the Chinese Dharmapada
“Xin Ming, Origin is the present moment.”
Source: Song of Mind: Wisdom from the Zen Classic Xin Ming
Source: Song of Mind: Wisdom from the Zen Classic Xin Ming
“There is more wisdom in a crumbling leaf than in a thousand words about impermanence.”
