Top 8 Quotes by James H. Austin

Emotions are not 'bad.' At the roots of our emotions are primal energies which can be put to fruitful use. Indeed...the energies of enlightenment arises from the very same natural origins as those which give rise to our

Emotions are not 'bad.' At the roots of our emotions are primal energies which can be put to fruitful use. Indeed...the energies of enlightenment arises from the very same natural origins as those which give rise to our everyday passions and emotions.

James H. Austin

Passion, Roots, Giving

Chance favors those in motion.

James H. Austin

Inspirational, Basketball, Favors

The Zen meditative approach has a simple, unstated premise: moods and attitudes shape—determine—what we think and perceive. If we feel happy, we tend to develop certain trains of thought. If we feel sad or angry, still others. But suppose, with training, we become nonattached to distractions and learn to dampen these wild, emotional swings on either side of equanimity. Then we can enter that serene awareness which is the natural soil for positive, spontaneous personal growth, often called spiritual growth.

James H. Austin

Happy, Spiritual, Attitude

James H. Austin (1999). “Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness”, p.13, MIT Press

The message is that ultimate meaning is to be found in this present moment, infusing our everyday lives, here and now.

James H. Austin

Everyday, Messages, Moments

James H. Austin (1999). “Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness”, p.19, MIT Press

When can our brain's innate objectivity begin to flourish? Only when our inappropriate Self-centered subjectivity begins to dissolve.

James H. Austin

Self, Objectivity, Brain

James H. Austin (2011). “Meditating Selflessly: Practical Neural Zen”, p.12, MIT Press

The fundamental delusion of humanity is to suppose that I am here (pointing to himself) and you are out there.

James H. Austin

Humanity, Fundamentals, Delusion

James H. Austin (2010). “Zen-Brain Reflections”, p.201, MIT Press

The early masters also introduced walking meditation and hard work to the monastery, for too much sitting could reach the point of diminishing returns.

James H. Austin

Work, Walking Meditation, Too Much

James H. Austin (1999). “Zen and the Brain: Toward an Understanding of Meditation and Consciousness”, p.9, MIT Press