“Smith, I distrust any kind of Buddhism or any kinda philosophy or social system that puts down sex said Japhy (Gary Snyder)”

“Many people entertain the idea that Christianity,like almost any other religion,is basically a system of beliefs-you know, a set of doctrines or a code of behavior, a philosophy, an ideology.But that's a myth.Christianity is not at all like Buddhism or Islam or Confucianism. The founders of those religions said (in effect), 'Here is what I teach. Believe my teachings. Follow my philosophy.' Jesus said, 'Follow me'(Matthew 9:9).Leaders of the world's religions said, 'What do you think about what I teach?' Jesus said, 'Who do you say I am?'(Luke 9:20)”

“I had never thought of haiku, or any kind of poetry for that matter, as a social activity.”

“I distrust any advice that contains the words 'ought' or 'should'.”

“If there is any religion that could respond to the needs of modern science, it would be Buddhism.”

“Distrust any enterprise that requires new clothes.”