Zen Stories

A Zen master once asked a hot-headed disciple why he was so angry all the time. The disciple replied, "Because everyone is always bothering me." The master said, "If everyone were to stop bothering you, would you still be angry?" The disciple thought for a moment, then replied, "No, I guess not."

A student asked the Zen master, "What is the meaning of life?" The master simply replied, "This moment."

A young man approached the Zen master and asked, "What is the way to happiness?" The master replied, "There is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way."

A man asked the Zen master, "What is enlightenment?" The master replied, "When you realize that there is nothing to realize."

A Zen master once said, "The mind is like a wild horse. Taming it is the path to enlightenment."

A student asked the Zen master, "What is the purpose of meditation?" The master replied, "To find peace in the midst of chaos."

A man came to the Zen master seeking wisdom. The master simply said, "The only thing you need to know is what you already know."

A Zen master once said, "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing."

A student asked the Zen master, "What is the key to happiness?" The master replied, "The ability to let go."

A Zen master once said, "The only way to experience peace is to become peace."