Brief sayings, or aphorisms, when they combine the qualities of clarity and depth, have a way of grabbing one’s attention, stimulating one’s thought process, even touching one’s spirit. I have collected seven wisdom-sayings of Phillip Toshio Sudo, author of the wonderful book, Zen Guitar (a book I would highly recommend) along thirteen from a variety of sources. I have found that creative reflection of such sayings can facilitate personal growth.

 

I would emphasize the importance of brevity, when it comes to understanding the power of a wisdom-saying. Simplicity, clarity, and depth, along with a hard to define luminosity, these are the qualities that lend power to an aphorism.

 

These sayings are a gift to those on the spiritual or creative path.

 

For a long time I could not write my own sayings, but I have had a breakthrough. I am sure you can do it, too. After writing one, the second will be easier; the dam will spring a leak. Following that, the dam may burst—what a great feeling! I would strongly suggest that you go on to share your original sayings with others. You will find ten of my own sayings at the end of this article.

 

Phillip’s Toshio Sudo’s sayings:

 

It is only through the experience of our own senses that we truly gain wisdom.

 

Whatever obstacles you face, never stop listening to the sound inside you.

 

The moment you think you know everything there is to know, you have lost the way.

 

If you can’t play what you hear, hear what you play.

 

One acquires technique solely for the purpose of freeing the spirit.

 

Do one thing the right way one time. When the next moment comes, make the same commitment If you do this, the bad habits will take care of themselves.

 

If you notice how good the acting is, it’s not acting.

 

 

Thirteen additional sayings:

 

Act as if everything you do matters.   William James

 

It is always the right time to do what is right.   Martin Luther King

 

Three things cannot be long hidden…the sun, the moon and the truth.   Attributed to the Buddha

 

There is no death, only a change of worlds.   Duwamish Indian saying

 

Every man got a right to his own mistakes. Ain’t no man that ain’t made any.   Joe Louis

 

Many times during auditions, I was told that I couldn’t carry a note with a bucket, and that I sure couldn’t play the piano.   Ray Charles

 

It is only what is written on the soul of man that will survive the wreck of time.   Francis Grimke

 

Everyone is the age of their heart.   Guatemalan saying 

 

Heartbreak is life educating us.   George Bernard Shaw

 

This, too, shall pass.   William Shakespeare

 

Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live  Norman Cousins

 

Stand in the light when you want to speak out.   Crow Indian saying

 

Stolen food never satisfies hunger.   Obama Indian saying

 

 

My own sayings:

 

It is sometimes wise to flee in the face of evil.

 

The young do not know everything, and neither do the old.

 

Give folks the chance to come to you.

 

I love to greet the dawn, and play basketball at dusk.

 

Seek justice, not only for yourself, but for others.

 

It is the spontaneous moment that draws me in.

 

I have learned much from the dreams I remember.

 

I wish to never again express my hurt through the infliction of pain.

 

I have a deep need to return to the ocean.

 

No one can dictate my fundamental choices.

 

I hope you are inspired to compile a list of your own favorite sayings, and to create your own!

 

Bio: I am a poet-essayist and political activist from Kingstree, South Carolina, currently writing a book on the creative process. I did grassroots work in the Obama campaign in 2008.