James H. Austin Quotes & Sayings

The Zen meditative approach has a simple, unstated premise: moods and attitudes shape - determine - what we think and perceive. If we feel happy, we tend to develop certain trains of thought. If we feel sad or angry, still others. But suppose, with training, we become nonattached to distractions and learn to dampen these wild, emotional swings on either side of equanimity. Then we can enter that serene awareness which is the natural soil for positive, spontaneous personal growth, often called spiritual growth. — James H. Austin

When can our brain's innate objectivity begin to flourish? Only when our inappropriate Self-centered subjectivity begins to dissolve. — James H. Austin

Emotions are not 'bad.' At the roots of our emotions are primal energies which can be put to fruitful use. Indeed ... the energies of enlightenment arises from the very same natural origins as those which give rise to our everyday passions and emotions. — James H. Austin

Zen values the simple, concrete, living facts of everyday direct personal experience. — James H. Austin

Ordinary man to Zen Master Ikkyu: 'Master, please write the maxims exemplifying the highest wisdom.' Ikkyu immediately writes the ideogram 'Attention,' with his brush. The man asks, 'Will you please add something more?' Ikkyu now writes, twice: 'Attention. Attention.' The man remarks, with an edge, 'There's really not much depth or subtlety here.' Ikkyu then writes the same ideogram three times: 'Attention. Attention. Attention.' The man now demands: 'What does that word 'Attention' mean, anyway?' Ikkyu replies: 'Attention means attention. — James H. Austin

The message is that ultimate meaning is to be found in this present moment, infusing our everyday lives, here and now. — James H. Austin

The early masters also introduced walking meditation and hard work to the monastery, for too much sitting could reach the point of diminishing returns. — James H. Austin