Z 

Zen 

This sect of Buddhist thought offers much perspective on recognizing reality, just the way it is, then leaving it behind as an illusion. The koan ("koh-ahn"), a question intended for Zen students to contemplate, and the answer to which enlightens the realizer, is one of my favorite tools for Zen meditation.

The saying that led me to develop my current path in yoga is a Zen saying, "If you meet the Buddha on the road, you must kill him." The meaning is, kill your illusions - there is no way you would just encounter true awakening (Buddha) on the journey, without some struggle. Zen is the path of harsh realization, acceptance and ego death. Kill your wish to be perfect and you are more on the way to awakening than ever.