Almost immediately after posting the last blog, I learned of the death of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. If there is one word to describe him, I’d say it is PEACE. In honor of this global spiritual leader, I dedicate this piece of writing to Thich Nhat Hanh as well as all those who live, act and lead with compassion. 

What I feel most moved to share here, today, are about a dozen of my favorite sayings, or quotes, from diverse spiritually-based lineages. Of course, I will begin with a few wise words of Thich Nhat Hanh: 

“The past no longer is, the future is not yet here; there is only one moment in which life is available, and that is the present moment.” 

“When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.”

“Life is available only in the present. That is why we should walk in such a way that every step can bring us to the here and the now.”

Taoism also embodies great wisdom. Here are some sayings attributed to Lao Tzu:

A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.

Care about what other people think and you will always be their prisoner.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Stop thinking, and end your problems.

And, of course, who doesn’t love Rumi? Here are some of the mystic lessons emerging out of the inspiration of Sufism:

Remember, the entrance door to the sanctuary is inside you.

You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the ocean in an entire drop.

If the light is in your heart, you will find your way home.

We have living treasures as well. If you are a Nor Cal local, you may have spent time at Spirit Rock and sat with Buddhist monk Dr. Jack Kornfield. Below you will find a couple noteworthy quotes: 

“As surely as there is a voyage away, there is a journey home.”

“Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well.”

And last, but definitely not least, I want to put attention on His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama. I wish to see him in-person one day. However, I will close with one of his sayings that now feels somewhat ironic:

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”

This month makes another Conscious Chimera anniversary, and another Valentine’s Day. Thank you for following my blog and reading these writings I share with the world!

May you know love and peace,

~Dr. Kim