Clearly seeing what is truth and what is illusion
The point of training in higher knowledge is not to become a container of facts or a believer in any particular philosophical system. The whole point is to clearly see what is truth and what is illusion in how we live. It means we understand the relationship of cause and effect, and we see how it functions in our life. We see that suffering is the natural result of a certain cause and that ultimately that cause is our self-clinging. We see that happiness is the result of a certain cause and that ultimately that cause is transcending our self-clinging.
– Ponlop Rinpoche
Instead of gathering knowledge, you should clear your mind
Our understanding of Buddhism should not be just gathering many pieces of information, seeking to gain knowledge. Instead of gathering knowledge, you should clear your mind. If your mind is clear, true knowledge is already yours. When you listen to our teaching with a pure, clear mind, you accept it as if you were hearing something which you already knew.
– Shunryu Suzuki
from the book “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”
Zen is not a particular state but the normal state
Zen is not a particular state but the normal state: silent, peaceful, unagitated. In zazen, neither intention, analysis, specific effort nor imagination can take place. It’s enough just to be without hypocrisy, dogmatism, arrogance–embracing all opposites.
– Teisen Deshimaru
– Teisen Deshimaru
Truth is found in life
“Do not think that the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.”
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge
“Do not think that the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice non-attachment from your views in order to be open to receive other’s viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.”
Thich Nhat Hanh
Zen Flash 
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