What is this true meditation? It is to make everything: coughing, swallowing, waving the arms, motion, stillness, words, action, the evil and the good, prosperity and shame, gain and loss, right and wrong, into one single koan.
Hakuin EkakuRead
All beings are by nature are Buddhas, as ice by nature is water. Apart from water there is no ice; apart from beings, no Buddhas.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that all beings inherently possess Buddha-nature, like ice cannot exist without water.
Hakuin Ekaku's quote reflects the essence of Buddhist philosophy, asserting that every sentient being inherently holds the potential for enlightenment, just as ice fundamentally consists of water. The metaphor emphasizes that one's true nature is already innately pure and wise, and enlightenment is not something to be acquired externally, but rather recognized and realized from within, much like understanding that ice is simply a form of water.
Themes
BuddhaNatureEnlightenmentPhilosophyWaterIce
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation retreat, this quote could remind participants of their innate potential for enlightenment.
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At this moment, is there anything lacking? Nirvana is right here now before our eyes. This place is the lotus land. This body now is the Buddha.
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