“It is not good to talk about Zen, because Zen is nothingness… If you talk about it, you are always lying, and if you don’t talk about it, no one knows it is there.” – Robert M. Pirsig

Zen saying are great. Inspirational quotes are awesome. I say them and try to believe them myself.   But, Zen sayings don’t actually do anything or CHANGE anything. But, they are a great place to start. You have to start somewhere, right?

Since you are reading this my guess is that you are not a Buddhist Monk and you don’t sit around repeating mantras all day.

I’m also guessing that Zen sayings are quick littler reminders that you might need to think more positively and that you should probably try to remind yourself that its the little things in life and love that are important to you.

Like everything you read or think sayings have their own meaning and how you interpret them will most likely have very little impact unless you actually start to live the saying.  In other words, you can’t just read the quote you must understand the quote, believe the quote and live the quote

What Are Zen Sayings?

Zen Sayings require not only reflection, but implementation to affect change. If you read saying from Ekhart Tolle you may or may not realize they are often the same words of wisdom regurgitated out in a different format.  For example:

“When you are present, you can allow the mind to be as it is without getting entangled in it.”
– Eckhart Tolle

“Wherever you are, be there totally.”
– Eckhart Tolle

Both of these quotes tell you to be present where you are and to live in the moment. Honestly, this is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. But, does reading a quote really change how you go about life?

Changing

What do you need to do to start living in the present? What do you need to change to stop living in the past or the future? How do you need to start acting to become present in the moment, every moment?

If you can, use Zen sayings to remind you of something. Pick one that speaks to you. But, don’t just read it. Think about it. Start to believe it. Discover what it means for you and try to live it.

Do you need to practice shutting off your mind and enjoying a cup of coffee with your partner in the morning? Do you need to learn to curb your frustrations when you talk to your children? Do you need to realize how special you are?

Living In The Zen

Many of us live in our minds and in conscious thought. What if instead of living in your thoughts you lived in your body and soul? Wouldn’t that be a much calmer, happier place to live?

If you really want to use Zen sayings to impact your life you have to be willing to DO something. Everyone seems to think one day we wake up and we are just magically happy or magically calm. Unfortunately, life isn’t so simple.

Life can be a frustrating pain in the ass. If you want to be Zen, implement the practice of change into your life. Being Zen for an hour a week better than never being Zen.

For example, take that Zen saying about “living in the present” and remind yourself of what it means all day, every day. Tape it to your desk at work. Put it on the mirror at home. Keep it as a screensaver. Do whatever works for you. Live that saying all day long.

We are all seeking peace and happiness, calmness and fulfillment in our souls. Zen sayings will not give you this, but they can help you along the journey if you choose to put in the work. Can you think of a better alternative?