Even if you consume as many books
As the sands of the Ganges
It is not as good as really catching
One verse of Zen.
If you want the secret of Buddhism,
Here it is: Everything is in the Heart!

Ryokan

from the book Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf: Zen Poems of Ryokan

translated by John Stevens


Read a random quote or see all quotes by Ryokan.

Further quotes from the book Dewdrops on a Lotus Leaf:

• Unspoken meaning
• Deep in the mountain
• I must go there today
• Right to the core
• This world
• The moonlight comes and goes
• I now surrender