1. Every Day is a Good Day (日日是好日)

"Every day is a good day" means that each day is a good day. This Zen saying indicates a way of finding and appreciating the goodness in any day, regardless of the weather, busyness, or idleness, and being content. By accepting the day positively and finding its good aspects, one can achieve inner peace.

This saying emphasizes the importance of cherishing small joys and happiness in daily life, living in the present moment without being caught up in the past or future. Keeping a calm mind and holding onto feelings of satisfaction and gratitude can make every day a "good day."

2. Main Character (主人公)

In Zen, "main character" does not refer to the protagonist of a story or play, but rather to the essence of oneself or the true self. This "main character" signifies living as the protagonist of one's own life, unwavering in the face of external circumstances or others' opinions, and firmly perceiving one's inner truth.

3. Know Contentment (知足)

The Zen saying "know contentment" means to know when you have enough. It highlights the importance of being satisfied with what you have and not having excessive desires.

Specifically, it emphasizes the importance of gratitude for the present and liberation from material desires and attachments. In modern society, there is often an emphasis on acquiring more and aiming for higher status, but the teaching of "know contentment" advocates for valuing inner richness and satisfaction, free from external values.

Practicing this mindset can lead to inner peace and a sense of happiness. By knowing contentment, one can be free from unnecessary anxiety and stress, leading a simple and fulfilling life.

4. Cold and Warm, Self-Aware (冷暖自知)

The Zen saying "cold and warm, self-aware" means "you know whether something is cold or warm." It refers to understanding the essence of things through one's own experiences and senses. True understanding comes not just from hearing or being taught by others, but from experiencing and feeling things for oneself.

This saying emphasizes the importance of valuing one's own experiences in both Zen practice and daily life. For instance, understanding Zen teachings and enlightenment cannot be fully achieved through others' explanations or books alone; it must be practiced and experienced personally.

Additionally, this saying acknowledges that individual experiences and senses vary. It signifies the importance of trusting one's own senses and experiences and walking one's own path, undeterred by others' experiences or opinions.

5. Wooden Rooster Crows at Midnight (木鶏子夜に鳴く)

The Zen saying "wooden rooster crows at midnight" carries deep Zen teachings. Literally, it means "a wooden rooster crows at midnight," but it is not just a metaphor; it holds profound spiritual meaning.

The "wooden rooster" symbolizes a state of being outwardly like a rooster but inwardly calm and unshaken. It represents maintaining inner peace and being undisturbed by external influences. The part "crows at midnight" means that one's inner voice can be heard in the most silent and tranquil times.

What Are Zen Sayings? A Comprehensive Guide!