Ramana Maharshi Quotes

Man must do his part and detach himself from created things.

The essence of the Way is detachment.

Set aside all involvements and let the myriad things rest. Zazen is not thinking of good, not thinking of bad. It is not conscious endeavour. It is not introspection. Do not desire to become a buddha; let sitting or lying down drop away. Be moderate in eating and drinking. Be mindful of the passing of time, and engage yourself in zazen as though you are saving your head from fire.

He who would be serene and pure needs but one thing, detachment.

I really - I try not to look ahead too far into the future and really just appreciate the here and now.

The Dalai Lama was once asked for his favorite chant, and he said it was better not to have a favorite anything, which I think is a great thought.

I see what happens when one gets very attached to material things. That's just not what my life is.

The secret of happiness is to admire without desiring. And that is not happiness.

One thing I like about Zen. It doesn't believe in achievement.

I keep my hands empty for the sake of what I have had in them.

I used to desire many, many things, but now I have just one desire, and that's to get rid of all my other desires.

The next time you have a thought... let it go.

I'm just dealing with what's happening, with what is. Joy, happiness, good, bad, all those terms are meaningless to me.

Fill your bowl to the brim and it will spill. Keep sharpening your knife and it will blunt. Chase after money and security and your heart will never unclench. Care about people's approval and you will be their prisoner. Do your work, then step back. The only path to serenity.

So, in meditation practice, the best way to get somewhere is to let go of trying to get anywhere at all.

A true Zen saying: "Nothing is what I want.

The sage seeks freedom from desire. He does not collect precious things. He learns not to hold on to ideas. He brings men back to what they have lost.

I do think it's important to live in the present because in that way you won't be living in a state of regret.

Flow with whatever may happen and let your mind be free. Stay centered by accepting whatever you are doing. This is the ultimate.

To remember non-attachment is to remember what freedom is all about. If we get attached, even to a beautiful state of being, we are caught, and ultimately we will suffer. We work to observe anything that comes our way, experience it while it is here, and be able to let go of it.

If there is to be any peace it will come through being, not having.

I have always wanted to live in the present and never the past.

Now I don't put things in the boxes anymore. I'm just focusing on right now.

Desire nothing, give up all desires and be happy.