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Dennis Merzel Quotes

Because of our belief in being separate, we fall into all kinds of harmful actions and deeds that create more problems for us. Competitiveness is a big one—trying to get ahead of others, stepping on each other. We

Because of our belief in being separate, we fall into all kinds of harmful actions and deeds that create more problems for us. Competitiveness is a big one—trying to get ahead of others, stepping on each other. We become frustrated and angry with each other. We try to control others; we condemn them. All of these things stem from one false belief, “I am apart, separate from everything else.

Dennis Merzel
Fall, Frustrated, Trying
Dennis Genpo Merzel (2001). “24/7 Dharma: Impermanence, No-Self, Nirvana”, Journey Editions

When we really let go, we become everything. At that point we are identified with all things: the flower, the oak tree, the morning star.

Dennis Merzel
Letting Go, Morning, Stars
Dennis Genpo Merzel (1991). “The Eye Never Sleeps: Striking to the Heart of Zen”, Shambhala Publications

There is a transcendent awareness, a Big Mind, a Big Heart, present and readily accessible to each and every one of us. When we realize it, we see it is the source of true peace, happiness, satisfaction, courage and joy.

Dennis Merzel
Heart, Thinking, Joy

To accept the truth of who you really are takes nothing short of realization. You have to see the diamond for yourself.

Dennis Merzel
Acceptance, Realization, Accepting
Dennis Genpo Merzel (2005). “The Path of the Human Being: Zen Teachings on the Bodhisattva Way”, p.16, Shambhala Publications

So if we look at progress, or evolution, or we look at accomplishment in our life, the key is to be continually moving on, expanding and growing, clarifying, developing and maturing. The opposite would be getting stuck, staying stuck, so there's no maturing, no developing, no accomplishing, no movement.

Dennis Merzel
Moving, Keys, Opposites
Dennis Genpo Merzel (2007). “Big Mind, Big Heart: Finding Your Way”, Big Mind Pub

True zazen is surrendering every moment. But surrendering to what? It really does not matter what we call it: God or the Tao or the Dharma or the Buddha or our true nature. . . . It is the act of letting go, of surrendering, that matters. The very act of letting go opens us up completely.

Dennis Merzel
Letting Go, Nature, Taoism
Dennis Genpo Merzel (1991). “The Eye Never Sleeps”, p.49, Shambhala Publications

The Mind cannot be confused, but it is confusion.

Dennis Merzel
Buddhist, Confused, Confusion

These various forms appear different in shape and size, yet they are of a single essence. . . . The Sixth Patriarch called it "essence of Mind". . . Here the Third Patriarch calls it "timeless Self-essence." Bankei called it "unborn Buddha-mind." They all refer to the same thing: Buddha-nature, true self. This essence is not born and can never die. It exists eternally. Some call it energy; others call it spirit. But what is it? No one knows. Any concept we have of what it is can only be an analogy. . . .

Dennis Merzel
Self, Essence, Mind

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