1. The mind is Buddha. When there are desires, vexations and attachments in the mind, this Buddha becomes a sentient being. When this mind is pure, a sentient being becomes a Buddha.

2. If you cannot assume responsibility for your own cultivation or endure its trials and hardships, then you are at best studying Buddhism, not practicing it.

3. No matter how much external circumstances change, if we can see through and let go of vexations, delusions, and attachments, with the mind always in equanimity and suchness, having clarity and true understanding—that is Zen.

4. Prosperity and adversity both facilitate our cultivation. They are expedient means for our cultivation. Prosperity fulfills us; adversity disciplines us.

5. If we are content, our minds will be at peace, we will see our blessings, be filled with gratitude and a willingness to help all, and our lives will filled with hope and happiness.

6. If we face suffering without worry then we can remove karmic hindrances, settle disputes, turn our enemies into friends, and be united in the Dharma family.

7. With respect we eradicate arrogance, with compassion we extinguish anger, with harmony we eliminate violence, with truth and sincerity we eradicate deceit.

8. To be liberated is not escaping reality. It is eliminating vexations, eradicating erroneous thoughts, and opening the knot in our minds. When the mind is opened to true understanding, that is liberation.

9. The riches and honor in this life are fleeting, like the dew on the flower, evaporating when the sun rises. The only true prosperity in life is when the mind is pure, clear, and content.

10. Vexations and joy are only within one single thought. The key is, when faced with the problems in life, can your mind maintain tranquility, will you have the wisdom to understand and observe accurately?

11. The one key word in practicing the Way is tolerance—to endure patiently and accept suffering. By accepting suffering, we eliminate suffering. This eradicates karmic hindrances, and prepares us for supreme enlightenment.

12. Purity of mind is to be away from the mind of delusion. The Diamond Sutra says, "the mind moves freely without attachment." That is the mind of purity.