Quotable

If you don’t understand the way right before you, How will you know the path on which you walk? Patience is not a matter of far or near, But if you are confused, mountains and rivers block your way. I respectfully urge you who study the mystery, Don’t pass your days and nights in vain.

-- The Sandôkai

This is the last three verses of a text that is recited in Zen temples in Japan every morning. You can find the full text, annoted for chanting service here. It has a slightly different translation of the verses that I have posted.