Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Zen Door

"In the West, we're advised to make an entrance when we walk into a room. But in the art of the Japanese tea ceremony, that's impossible. The traditional houses used to host the events are purposely built with low doorways so that all who pass must bow their frames as they enter and exit. No one can stride through.

The intent is to physically impose a posture of humility, requiring the head to be down, and in so doing effect a change in attitude. Entering, one is humbled before the others present, as those who follow are humbled toward you; exiting, one is humbled before the outdoors and Great Nature.

The door to the teahouse thus symbolizes the only door that matters in life: the one leading to enlightenment. Step humbly through the door, with no expectations, into the great wide world."
--Philip Toshio Sudo
Zen 24/7
all zen/all the time

(via whiskey river)