Shunryu Suzuki quotes - page 3
The practice of Zen mind is beginner's mind. The innocence of the first inquiry-what am I?-is needed throughout Zen practice. The mind of the beginner is empty, free of the habits of the expert, ready to accept, to doubt, and open to all the possibilities. It is the kind of mind which can see things as they are, which step by step and in a flash can realize the original nature of everything.
Shunryu Suzuki
I discovered that it is necessary, absolutely necessary, to believe in nothing. That is, we have to believe in something which has no form and no color--something which exists before all forms and colors appear... No matter what god or doctrine you believe in, if you become attached to it, your belief will be based more or less on a self-centered idea.
Shunryu Suzuki
Communication is - start by understanding - your own understanding about people. Even though you want them to understand you, you know, it is - unless you understand people, it is almost impossible. Don't you think so? Only when you understand people, they may understand you. So even though you do not say anything, if you understand people there is some communication.
Shunryu Suzuki
Practice does not mean that whatever you do, even lying down, is zazen. When the restrictions you have do not limit you, this is what we mean by practice....
When you sit, you will sit. When you eat, you will eat.... If you say,”It doesn't matter,” it means that you are making some excuse to do something in your own way with your small mind. It means that you are to some particular thing or way. That is not what we mean when we say, "Just to sit is enough,” or "Whatever you do is zazen.” Of course, everything you do is zazen, but if so, there is no need to say it.
Shunryu Suzuki
Shunryu Suzuki
Occupation: Japanese LeaderBorn: May 18, 1904
Died: December 4, 1971
Quotes count: 68
Wikipedia: Shunryu Suzuki
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