Linji or Lin-chi (d. 866 CE) was a highly influential Chinese monk in the Chan tradition. He is said to have used a rather unorthodox, ‘iconoclastic’ style of teaching, sometimes shouting at his students and hitting to lead them to awakening.

There is no stability in the world; it is like a house on fire. This is not a place where you can stay for a long time. The murderous demon of impermanence is instantaneous, and it does not choose between the upper and lower classes, or between the young and old.

If you want to be no different from the Buddhas and Zen masters, just don’t seek externally.

The pure light in a moment of awareness in your mind is the Buddha’s essence within you.

The non-discriminating light in a moment of awareness in your mind is the Buddha’s wisdom within you.

The undifferentiated light in a moment of awareness in your mind is the Buddha’s manifestation within you. 

Translation Thomas Cleary