| Christianity | Taoism | Zen |
|---|---|---|
| "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." – John 14:6 |
"The Tao that can be spoken is not the eternal Tao." – Tao Te Ching 1 |
"The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart." |
| "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." – Matthew 5:5 |
"The highest goodness is like water… it rests in places others disdain." – TTC 8 |
"Only don’t know." – Seung Sahn |
| "Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also." – Matthew 5:39 |
"The soft overcomes the hard. The gentle overcomes the rigid." – TTC 36 |
"Let go, or be dragged." |
| "Be still, and know that I am God." – Psalm 46:10 |
"Returning is the movement of the Tao. Stillness is its way." – TTC 40 |
"When you sit, just sit. When you walk, just walk." |
| "Whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." – Matthew 10:39 |
"To hold, you must first open your hand. Let go." – TTC 22 |
"What is your original face before your parents were born?" |
| "Give us this day our daily bread." – Matthew 6:11 |
"I let go of what I am, to become what I might be." – TTC 48 |
"Before enlightenment: chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood, carry water." |
“Let go. Be still. Love freely. And walk the Way—even if you do not know where it leads.”