In short, the Taoists eliminated the usual basis for religion. The ultimate justification for spirituality was not in the promise of an afterlife, not in the gods, not in ritual, and not in clerical authority, but in the honest and personal exploration of this life and this time.
–Deng Ming-Dao, Scholar Warrior: An Introduction to the Tao in Everyday Life
In theory at least, all Buddhism is mystical; for, not recognizing an omnipotent creator, it teaches that there is no one to please, offend, placate and that consequently all attainment must take place within the devotee’s own being.
–John Blofeld, Mantras: Sacred Words of Power
