Quotes from Joan Tollifson

Unlike some who claim that a line in the sand was forever crossed on a particular date in time, no such final event has happened in Joan's story. And, in fact, true enlightenment is not concerned at all with "me" being enlightened.

The Holy Reality is already here, fully complete. And if you think otherwise, then simply stop, look and listen.

Unlike seeking, which is result-oriented and rooted in a sense of dissatisfaction and incompleteness, this kind of meditative inquiry is rooted in curiosity, interest and love. Much as a lover explores the beloved, this nondual, nonconceptual inquiry is an act of love and devotion. Much as a child explores the world with open curiosity and wonder, this kind of inquiry is a form of play and self-discovery.

You're not going anywhere.

Nobody else can see us, because we have no objective existence whatsoever, and we cannot see anybody else because they have none.

How complete, whole, undivided seeing comes about is a mystery. Any formulation or method we invent will eventually get in our way. It's as if everything we learn must be instantly left behind.

We know in our deepest heart of hearts that unconditional love is somehow more true – more fundamental, more real, more radical (at the root) – than hate, which always seems to be confused, deluded, reactive, divisive and false. Love breeds love, and hate breeds hate. We all experience this.

Only the mirage-like separate fragment, the character in the movie, is concerned about being perfect and not being fooled again. The wholeness of being doesn't mind being fooled. Awareness has no self-image to protect, no self to defend against death. For life itself, there is no end to being fooled and no end to waking up. It is all happening to no one. It's not personal.

During the last year she was alive, at age 95, my mother said many times, "It's so freeing to realize that nothing really matters." She said it joyously, with relief, as if a burden had been lifted. She also said over and over, "Love yourself.

For some people, being a Zen monk is the perfect expression. For others, drinking beer and calling meditation hogwash is the perfect expression. Some teachers will tell you to sweep the floor mindfully, and others will tell you that your mindful sweeping is only a dream. Life is wonderfully playful and diverse.