No matter how many years you sit doing zazen, you will never become anything special.
Kodo SawakiRead
To be born as a human being is a rare thing, something to be grateful for. But being born as a human being is worthless if you spend your whole life in a mental hospital. It is worthless if you worry about not having money. It is worthless if you become neurotic because you cannot get a prestigious job. It is worthless if you weep because you lose your girlfriend.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being human is valuable, but it loses significance if one becomes consumed by worries and societal expectations.
This quote emphasizes the importance of appreciating the gift of human existence while also highlighting that such existence can become meaningless if one is trapped in negative thoughts and societal pressures. Kodo Sawaki points out that numerous worries—ranging from financial concerns to relationship issues—can lead to a life devoid of true fulfillment, suggesting that a mindful and grateful approach to life is crucial for genuine happiness.
Themes
GratitudeHuman ExistenceMindfulnessHappinessWorry
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about mental health awareness, this quote could emphasize the importance of a positive mindset.
More from Kodo Sawaki
All quotes →Similar quotes
every pleasure's got an edge of pain, pay your ticket and don't complain
Bob DylanRead
Between believing a thing and thinking you KNOW is only a small step and quickly taken.
Mark TwainRead
Next, feel your heart, literally placing your hand on your chest if you find that helpful. This is a way of accepting yourself just as you are in that moment, a way of saying, "This is my experience right now, and it's okay." Then go into the next moment without any agenda.
Pema ChodronRead
To invent out of knowledge means to produce inventions that are true. Every man should have a built-in automatic crap detector operating inside him. It also should have a manual drill and a crank handle in case the machine breaks down. If you're going to write, you have to find out what's bad for you. Part of that you learn fast, and then you learn what's good for you.
Ernest HemingwayRead
Good order is the foundation of all things.
Edmund BurkeRead
Where thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead