To an experienced Zen Buddhist, asking if one believes in Zen or one believes in the Buddha, sounds a little ludicrous, like asking if one believes in air or water. Similarly Quality is not something you believe in, Quality is something you experience. (2000)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- For a seasoned Zen Buddhist, questioning belief in Zen is as absurd as questioning belief in air or water; Quality is something we experience, not something we believe in.
- In plain terms
- Quality is felt, not thought.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on experiencing rather than doubting.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you separate experience from belief?
- What does it mean to 'experience' quality?
Another view
Some may argue that experience still requires interpretation.
More from Robert M. Pirsig
The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands.
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