Shunryu Suzuki Quotes

In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few

In your very imperfections you will find the basis for your firm, way-seeking mind.

In zazen, leave your front door and your back door open. Let thoughts come and go. Just don't serve them tea.

Those who are attached only to the result of their effort will not have any chance to appreciate it, because the result will never come.

A mind full of preconceived ideas, subjective intentions, or habits it not open to things as they are.

We emphasize straightforwardness. You should be true to your feelings, and to your mind, expressing yourself without any reservations. This helps the listener to understand more easily.

The true purpose [of Zen] is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes... Zen practice is to open up our small mind.

In our practice we have no particular purpose or goal, nor any special object of worship.

Zen is nothing to get excited about.

To live in the realm of Buddha nature means to die as a small being, moment after moment.

In your practice you should accept everything as it is, giving to each thing the same respect given to a Buddha.