(Samtoh, 2004) My human value lies not in my social rank, status or possessions, It is in how much I live consistent with my soul.
(Samtoh, 2004)
Happiness does not come to us from abundance and grandeur.
When blessed with gratitude and contentment for something quite meager, the man is happy.
The beauty of blankness and empty space is in its simplicity and plainness.
(Ire, 1999)
The heart is the center and core of existence.
Without the heart, nothing can exist.
Life's mysterious love, the tender spark in our eyes and the warm voice, these bloom within the heart as well.
In just this way, the heart is the center of existence.
(Dongjjok nara, 1998)
Non-possession doesn't mean to disown everything.
Rather than meaning having nothing, it is the idea of not having what you do not need.
The pure poverty that we have chosen is so much more noble and valuable than being overflowing with riches.
(Samtoh, 1993; revised, 2001)
Throwing it away and emptying it out aren't some half-hearted lifestyle attitude; they are the choice of the life of wisdom.
It is only when something is thrown away and emptied that it can be filled with something new.
Empty space or blankness is not just vacant, but supports our life's reality and essence.
(Samtoh, 2004)
On a fundamental level, a being human is an existence that cannot but be solitary.
People who live alone want to live like lotus flowers, never soiled by the morass from which they emerge.
Being by yourself is a dignified existence, holistic and never fragmented, pure and free, uncontaminated no matter the surroundings.
(Samtoh, 1993; revised, 2001)
Life is no possession.
It is a moment by moment existence.
Where in this world is there anything eternal?
Nevertheless, within that time we have to give our very best and live ourselves to the utmost.
Life is an amazing mystery; life is beauty.
(Ire, 1999)
My deepest wish is to live simply, and to live plainly.
I want to live naturally, true to my emotions and will.
Since nobody else can live my life for me, I want to live like myself.
(Brian Barry, Zen Master Bopjong, 2010, Jain Publishing Company)
Emptied mind...that's "musim", the absence of the worldly desires.
In other words, the emptied mind is our original state of mind.
If that's filled with something, it's not the genuine mind.
Only when something is completely emptied can there be an echo.
Only when there is an echo can life be fresh and full of vitality.
(Dongjjok nara, 1998)
Who am I?
Ask yourself this.
Ask yourself this question and ask it again until yourself's true inner face is revealed.
Do not ask half-heartedly.
You must use the voice within your voices directed to the ear within your ear, to ask with the utmost sincerely.
The answer lies within the question.
(Samtoh, 1983; revised, 2001)
What a surprising mystery of life it is, flowers blossoming at our side.
The lovely and fragrant cosmos is opening the door.
The birds singing in their pure voices within the hushed woods is a melody that adds freshness to our lives.
(Ire, 2001)
If we love someone with our whole being right now, we can love much more neighbors next.
That is why the next is born out of right now.
There is nothing other than right now; "then" is not a separately existing thing.
(December 14, 1997)
My wish is that Gilsangsa becomes a poor temple. Pure poverty brings us peace of mind and enables us to have the proper mental attitude. I hope Gilsangsa Temple remains as a poor temple and becomes a clear and fragrant venue.
Hopefully, not only Buddhists but everyone can visit the venue freely and share peace of mind and the wisdom of life.