Quote

Each one of us must make his own true way, and when we do, that way will express the universal way.

Shunryu Suzuki

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Shunryu Suzuki
Age: 67 †
Born: 1904
Born: May 18
Died: 1971
Died: December 4
Bhikkhu
Leader
Missionary
Philosopher
Writer
Atlanta
Georgia
Individuality
Express
Universal
True
Must
Way
Make

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Instead of criticizing, find out how to help.
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In the mind of the beginner, there are many possibilities. In the mind of the expert there are few.
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The secret of Soto Zen is just two words: not always so.... In Japanese, it's two words, three words in English. That is the secret of our practice.
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Zazen practice and everyday activity are one thing. We call zazen everyday life, and everyday life zazen.
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The true practice to meditation is to sit as if you where drinking water when you are thirsty.
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Bowing is a very serious practice. You should be prepared to bow, even in your last moment. even though it is impossible to get rid of our self-centered desires, we have to do it. Our true nature wants us to.
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Our practice should be based on the ideal of selflessness. Selflessness is very difficult to understand. If you try to be selfless, that is already a selfish idea. Selflessness will be there when you do not try anything.
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To cook is not just to prepare food for someone or to cook for yourself it is to express your sincerity. So when you cook you should express yourself in your activity in the kitchen. You should allow yourself plenty of time.
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To give your sheep or cow a large, spacious meadow is the way to control him.
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Instead of respecting things, we want to use them for ourselves and if it is difficult to use them, we want to conquer them.
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You will always exist in the universe in one form or another.
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If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything it is open to everything.
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Nothing outside yourself can cause any trouble. You yourself make the waves in your mind. If you leave your mind as it is, it will become calm. This mind is called big mind.
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If you take pride in your attainment or become discouraged because of your idealistic effort, your practice will confine you by a thick wall.
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