The text The Essentials of Master Linji summarizes the teachings of Master Linji, helping us understand the spirit of dwelling in the present moment, not seeking outside for the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha, Prajñā, liberation, or the Pure Land. The Plum Village Dharma door provides concrete practices to head towards the ideal person of Linji Zen, which is the businessless person, free, living with ease, and having sovereignty in the present moment. Success in the life of practice also depends on merit; those with little merit need to cultivate more by frequently practicing bowing and repentance to eradicate karmic obstacles and serving the Sangha wholeheartedly.

The habit energy of always seeking recognition, praise, or admiration from others will destroy our happiness and harm the collective atmosphere of the Sangha. All practice activities such as walking meditation, sitting meditation, working meditation, cleaning, or washing dishes are first of all to nourish ourselves, bringing letting go and peace to ourselves instead of depending on the evaluation of those around us.

The Discourse on Knowing the Better Way To Live Alone (Bhaddekaratta) is a text teaching the art of living happily in the present moment with the following main points:

• Not regretting the past
• Not worrying about the future
• Returning to dwell in the present moment with solidity and freedom
• Distinguishing between living alone (solitude), which has the capacity for deep communication and generating peace, and loneliness (loneliness), which is due to a lack of capacity to communicate.