Shunryū Suzuki
c/shunryu-suzuki
Shunryu Suzuki Roshi was a pivotal Zen monk and author who founded the first Western Zen monastery. Discover his legacy of "nothing special."
c/shunryu-suzuki
Shunryu Suzuki Roshi was a pivotal Zen monk and author who founded the first Western Zen monastery. Discover his legacy of "nothing special."
…But when you see a great buddha in a small leaf, that joy may be something special. I think but we need a great effort. My teacher Kishore Yen, did not allow us to shut a muddle, to draw a muddle more than one. We should you know draw it one by…
…attainment. There is big difference between between master and disciple we disciple, we have this kind of training all the time. My teacher kusudza ieyan's teacher in Shia Republic. Before I tell this story I must say something about his life when he was…
…big difference between between master and disciple we disciple, we have this kind of training all the time. My teacher kusudza ieyan's teacher in Shia Republic. Before I tell this story I must say something about his life when he was quite young before he…
…I tell this story I must say something about his life when he was quite young before he became a priest, my teacher's teacher, teacher's teacher's teacher, grand, no no grand teacher, grand teacher. He was a kind of dasuka. When he was young he left…
…story I must say something about his life when he was quite young before he became a priest, my teacher's teacher, teacher's teacher's teacher, grand, no no grand teacher, grand teacher. He was a kind of dasuka. When he was young he left Tokyo for Kyoto…
…about his life when he was quite young before he became a priest, my teacher's teacher, teacher's teacher's teacher, grand, no no grand teacher, grand teacher. He was a kind of dasuka. When he was young he left Tokyo for Kyoto because he had nothing to…
…life when he was quite young before he became a priest, my teacher's teacher, teacher's teacher's teacher, grand, no no grand teacher, grand teacher. He was a kind of dasuka. When he was young he left Tokyo for Kyoto because he had nothing to eat and…
…should stay here. So he, at last he became a priest. Dasuka turned into a priest. That priest was my master's, my teacher's teacher, when before he passed away, five years before he passed away, when he wanted to make give his disciples some lecture, he…
…passed away, when he wanted to make give his disciples some lecture, he couldn't find some paper commentary on it. So he called my teacher: where did you put my paper? So he tried to find out and seek for it. But he couldn't find out. So my teacher's…
…my teacher: where did you put my paper? So he tried to find out and seek for it. But he couldn't find out. So my teacher's teacher was very angry with him. You must have lost it. You must have thought that it is just a paper. That man as you that…
…may not understand it because you are too much. Very true, you may not understand it, but I want it badly. So not only my teacher, many disciples tried to find out, but no one could find out. But someone who was working in the kitchen said it was in…
…tried to find out, but no one could find out. But someone who was working in the kitchen said it was in a box. So my teacher took it and took it to the teacher. And the teacher became more angry. You must have where was it? It was in the box. Who…
…find out. But someone who was working in the kitchen said it was in a box. So my teacher took it and took it to the teacher. And the teacher became more angry. You must have where was it? It was in the box. Who allowed you you know to open that…
…someone who was working in the kitchen said it was in a box. So my teacher took it and took it to the teacher. And the teacher became more angry. You must have where was it? It was in the box. Who allowed you you know to open that box. So my…
…became more angry. You must have where was it? It was in the box. Who allowed you you know to open that box. So my teacher said: I am sorry. You always say I am sorry. Even though you say I am sorry, you don't move you don't move. And several…
…You always say I am sorry. Even though you say I am sorry, you don't move you don't move. And several months later my teacher's teacher was crying. And so my teacher asked: why are you so sad? He said: I am so sorry. I am very sorry for myself and…
…Even though you say I am sorry, you don't move you don't move. And several months later my teacher's teacher was crying. And so my teacher asked: why are you so sad? He said: I am so sorry. I am very sorry for myself and for you too. So since then…
…you so sad? He said: I am so sorry. I am very sorry for myself and for you too. So since then you know my teacher almost forgot about his ego centered attitude. So you may say this is just anger, but it is not so. Their practice is always…
…changes. This is the basic teaching of Buddhism and because of this teaching his descendants or his disciples treated buddha as a teacher of heaven and earth. He is not only a teacher of this world, he is a teacher of heaven because even though…
…because of this teaching his descendants or his disciples treated buddha as a teacher of heaven and earth. He is not only a teacher of this world, he is a teacher of heaven because even though you go to heaven, this teaching that everything changes will…
…or his disciples treated buddha as a teacher of heaven and earth. He is not only a teacher of this world, he is a teacher of heaven because even though you go to heaven, this teaching that everything changes will not be different. It is also true in…
…to heaven, this teaching that everything changes will not be different. It is also true in heaven. So he is called a teacher of heaven and earth. It is because of this teaching that everything changes, and this is the basic Foundation of Buddhism,…
…may be very strong and tough in one way, but on the other hand he may be very gentle and very soft. My teacher referred to the best sword maker, Masamune. One day Shigehiro Shigehiro the sword, not sword maker, but spear, spearhead maker, visited him.…
…said one or half by one or half, half by half. Half is enough if he is sincere. So you know the relationship between teacher and student should be very close. We say if one is someone's disciple, one should you know make calligraphy exactly the same as…
…should be very close. We say if one is someone's disciple, one should you know make calligraphy exactly the same as his teacher. You know, you sign in America you have signature, but your handwriting is your signature. But it doesn't work in Japan. We…
…emphasis, we practice calligraphy so hard that one can imitate someone's calligraphy exactly the same as your friend does or your teacher does. That much you know. Close relationship is necessary, but not by imitation but from bottom of your heart. So how…
…if necessary you should create your own form of calligraphy, but not before you can fully. You can imitate his way exactly the same. My teacher is not you know my father my father was not my father. But people said when I laugh, you know you must be…
…the way you do something, the way you laugh, the way you speak and the way you make your voice exactly the same as your teacher so your teacher must be your father. They said not everyone of them but some people said that is more sort of way. But…
…he said. There is the same story in India too, when the 17th patriarch, 18th patriarch received transmission there was the teacher. The 17th patriarch asked the disciple hearing listening to the Bell hanging on the four corners of the buddha hall, asked…
…that time, said: none of them ring. But your mind, our mind is ringing. He said that was maybe right answer, but so far the teacher was not so sure about it, you understand. So the teacher asked: what kind of mind will it be? What kind of mind will…
…is ringing. He said that was maybe right answer, but so far the teacher was not so sure about it, you understand. So the teacher asked: what kind of mind will it be? What kind of mind will it be? And the disciple answered: the complete calmness of…
…are in complete calm. Bell and wind is in a state of complete calm. That was his answer, the disciple's answer. So the teacher acknowledged his perfect understanding. Of it which is ringing, Bell or wind? Not Bell Nor wind, but our mind is ringing. What…
…it which is ringing, Bell or wind? Not Bell Nor wind, but our mind is ringing. What kind of mind will it be? The complete calmness of bersage. My teacher gave a big kind of three characters: good, bad and so on. Both are in complete calm, thank you.
…everyday life. If you do not, if you haven't attained this kind of spirit by yourself, you should practice our way with some teacher who has that kind of spirit. The same thing is true in studying lotus sutra. My mother always recited this sutra when I…
…was reciting the chapter 25 always where it repeats some miraculous power of saving people, power of avalokiteshvara in saving people. My teacher you know, kishizawa roshi, had big hard skin here. He was bowing always. Maybe I don't know how many times he…
…you know so to conquer his ego, he bowed to buddha until he has hard skin here because of that he was scolded by his teacher always. I think that is a kind of prayer, even though you know this is right, but your mind does not follow sometimes there…
…But when you see a great buddha in a small leaf, that joy may be something special I think. But we need a great effort. My teacher kusudawa ieyan, did not allow us to shut a muddle, to draw a muddle more than one. We should, you know draw it one by…
…dogen, a monk dogen. In china there were many various schools, like rinzai, sōtō, unmō, kōgen, ikkyō. But nyojo zenji, who was dogen's teacher, Zen was not, according to dogen, one of the five schools of Zen or seven schools of Zen. His Zen is just to…
…to actually realize by his body buddha's mind, buddha's spirit. That was his Zen. That was why dogen accepted him as his teacher. Before dogen went to china he studied hieizan tendai, the main temple of tendai school and after tendai he went to Eisai…
…because Eisai Zenji passed away when he was very young. So he went to china to continue his practice with good teacher. He may have, according to kenzeiki, he already attained enlightenment under Eisai, but he wanted to continue his practice with right…
…He may have, according to kenzeiki, he already attained enlightenment under Eisai, but he wanted to continue his practice with right teacher. So he went to china with myōsen, who was also one of the Eisai's Outstanding teacher disciple. But he couldn't…
…to continue his practice with right teacher. So he went to china with myōsen, who was also one of the Eisai's Outstanding teacher disciple. But he couldn't accept, although he visited many temples and saw many Zen Teachers, but he couldn't accept them as…
…always who is always you know, pessimistic, you know we will encourage him. But if he is too good or too bright, then a teacher will be always scold him. That is our way. But originally it does not. Our way is our understanding is not different. But…
…you may ask him: if you practice, if we practice zazen, is it possible to attain that kind of attainment? But the true teacher may say: when you suffer, you should suffer. When you feel good, you should feel good, you should be suffering to that…
…some clear picture of what I am talking, otherwise I cannot say anything. You see that is why I study before lecture. My teacher always told me even though it doesn't help, you know you should before lecture, you should study. Thank you would you speak…
…discriminate your sound or noise you know, is because I want to. You know, I want to encourage your practice as a teacher. But you know sometimes I don't I just practice zazen. Just practice zazen with you, forgetting all about teacher or disciple.…
…as a teacher. But you know sometimes I don't I just practice zazen. Just practice zazen with you, forgetting all about teacher or disciple. Sometimes. Sometimes you know I feel I have to help you. So I discriminate your practice. Sometimes I correct…
…ask us to carry it back. When I was a little temple disciple I had a very difficult time to take them back to my temple. My teacher would leave and as soon as he said goodbye he would go back and my duty was to borrow some bags to put various food…
…visited myosin. Myosin did not stay in the ship, he landed and he went to his teacher's temple, a temple where his teacher studied and received transmission. So he left Dongen in the ship and he landed Dongen Alone, living in the ship and collecting…
…far we recite it sutra prajnaparamita and its merit its by its merit. We want to repay the mercy of great teacher shakyamuni buddha and joyo Daishi. Shintan means china. Shoso means the first patriarch, the first patriarch in china, Bodhidharma and first…
…we also recite prajnaparamita. Prajnaparamita sutra is for monjushiri bodhisattva too. So we call four names: the great benevolent teacher, shakyamuni buddha and the first patriarch in china, Bodhidharma Dayosho, the first patriarch in Japan. Ehe dogen dayosho.…
…or when you get up. And he said: you know, their breathing had strong smell from too, when he talked with some famous teacher, he could hardly stay with him because their breath exhale is too bad, smells too bad. And you know, even in great china…
…shun Shantanu Ryu? A k a jyotan a k a Jyoti Sure. So would we use this place's name? My name I don't know I have my teacher gave me my name already, not Zen shun Shantanu Ryu. I thought that he was called a h ogin and there was a part he was…
…was the source of all the teachers, source of power of all the teachers. Tatsugami roshi studied under Harada Roshi. Harada Roshi's teacher was oka Sotan. My teacher was kishizawa roshi and my master was Suzuki Son and their teacher was oka Sotan Roshi.…
…teachers, source of power of all the teachers. Tatsugami roshi studied under Harada Roshi. Harada Roshi's teacher was oka Sotan. My teacher was kishizawa roshi and my master was Suzuki Son and their teacher was oka Sotan Roshi. Yoshida Roshi's teacher was…
…Roshi. Harada Roshi's teacher was oka Sotan. My teacher was kishizawa roshi and my master was Suzuki Son and their teacher was oka Sotan Roshi. Yoshida Roshi's teacher was Hashimoto Roshi. Hashimoto Roshi's teacher was oka Sotan Roshi. At komazawa there…
…Sotan. My teacher was kishizawa roshi and my master was Suzuki Son and their teacher was oka Sotan Roshi. Yoshida Roshi's teacher was Hashimoto Roshi. Hashimoto Roshi's teacher was oka Sotan Roshi. At komazawa there was a good scholar of Buddhism, Eto…
…and my master was Suzuki Son and their teacher was oka Sotan Roshi. Yoshida Roshi's teacher was Hashimoto Roshi. Hashimoto Roshi's teacher was oka Sotan Roshi. At komazawa there was a good scholar of Buddhism, Eto Sokuo. He was my teacher's master's…
…to struggle even then it actually is short in the communication: communication, communication between your friend, communication between teacher and disciple, can you hear me? Communication between teacher and disciple and the communication between the human…
…communication: communication, communication between your friend, communication between teacher and disciple, can you hear me? Communication between teacher and disciple and the communication between the human being and our surroundings, communication between man and…
…Zen. How to study Zen is to be authentic of who you are around and that is how you have a new song. That song is your teacher. But when you come to that song you feel as if you want you must have some questions to ask, but it is not necessary so…
…then even though you have no questions to ask, you should be there a lot, a lot enough to see what is the mood of the teacher today, if he is happy or unhappy, if he gives you a natural vision, if he is ready to accept you or not. You should be…
…student who are studying something in mathematics or geology or science or physics. You are student who are yin and who is the teacher and what kind of relationship you have and feeling of and it is more like community because we are always trying to…
…do something, the way you laugh, the way you speak and the way you make your voice exactly the same as your teacher so your teacher must be your father. They said not everyone of them but some people said that is more sort of way. But the point is…
…disciple. But he couldn't accept, although he visited many temples and saw many Zen Teachers, but he couldn't accept them as his teacher until he met with nyōjo zenji. And when he saw nyōjo zenji, without studying under him when he saw for the first…
…zenji. And when he saw nyōjo zenji, without studying under him when he saw for the first time, he accepted nyōjo zenji as his teacher. And nyōjo zenji also thought: this is my disciple this is my disciple who will carry on my practice. And when he was…
…in his practice and at that time the feeling or experience he had at that time was submitted by dōgen to his teacher and he became completely. He transmitted, he received the transmission from nyōjo zenji. And came back to Japan the first thing we…
…really practicing Zen in its true sense. So when he saw nyōjo zenji who is practicing his way, he accepted him as his teacher. And when nyōjo zenji saw him he could acknowledge his sincerity, his sincere practice. And the next question will be: what is…
…work you will know what is bad. You know what is not so good work. That is why dogen zenji always put emphasis on the teacher. If you want, to know what is sincerity. You should have good teacher. Only when you have good teacher you will know. By him…
…work. That is why dogen zenji always put emphasis on the teacher. If you want, to know what is sincerity. You should have good teacher. Only when you have good teacher you will know. By him you will know, by seeing him. You will know who is good…
…always put emphasis on the teacher. If you want, to know what is sincerity. You should have good teacher. Only when you have good teacher you will know. By him you will know, by seeing him. You will know who is good teacher, what is good teacher. When…
…teacher. Only when you have good teacher you will know. By him you will know, by seeing him. You will know who is good teacher, what is good teacher. When you see sincere person you will know what is sincere. That is not something which I can describe.…
…have good teacher you will know. By him you will know, by seeing him. You will know who is good teacher, what is good teacher. When you see sincere person you will know what is sincere. That is not something which I can describe. That is something you…
…I can describe. That is something you will feel by your intuition. That kind of intuition will be gained by seeing good teacher always. The next thing which is important is to give up, to be ready to give up everything including your understanding of…
…up everything including your understanding of teaching or your knowledge about Buddhism. Most of you may think, may accept some teacher who say whose knowledge whose knowledge is understandable acceptable for you. You will say he is good teacher. But the…
…think, may accept some teacher who say whose knowledge whose knowledge is understandable acceptable for you. You will say he is good teacher. But the standard is: you cannot judge your teacher by your law you know or standard. Only when you have well…
…whose knowledge is understandable acceptable for you. You will say he is good teacher. But the standard is: you cannot judge your teacher by your law you know or standard. Only when you have well polished up eyes or standard of judgment, you will…
…and when you see or accept teaching as it is, that is, in other words, good teaching. What doen transmitted from his teacher is this acceptance, giving up everything, Great spirit to be ready to give up everything, especially when he practiced zazen. He…
…seek for something which is called true soul, true teaching, you will be completely involved in pure practice, giving up everything. My teacher, kishizawa, Ian. He was actually a great scholar but his study was started after when he gave up everything. He…
…Teachers and some other schools, teachers of many schools. He just wanted to see him through books. That was also true with my teacher. Whenever he meets some student or some scholar, what he asks is: give me some record you have. Whatever record it may…
…have. Whatever record it may be he was very much interested to see, to read it. He was seeking for his friend always his teacher always. Whether he is famous or not, it doesn't matter for him. Only when you give up everything, you can see through a…
…always. Whether he is famous or not, it doesn't matter for him. Only when you give up everything, you can see through a teacher. Even the name of Buddhism is already a dirty spot in our practice. It is not teaching but their character, their effort,…
…Just to see someone who is holy and great and pure is our purpose of studying Zen or Buddhism. On what point is your teacher? First of all when you are lazy, he will be very angry. If you know a good, intelligent student always involved in something…
…someone who can accept who you can accept. That is the most important point for Zen Student. So if you cannot accept a teacher as your teacher, you should seek for someone else as your teacher. Without this kind of spirit, it is almost impossible to…
…accept who you can accept. That is the most important point for Zen Student. So if you cannot accept a teacher as your teacher, you should seek for someone else as your teacher. Without this kind of spirit, it is almost impossible to study our way.…
…important point for Zen Student. So if you cannot accept a teacher as your teacher, you should seek for someone else as your teacher. Without this kind of spirit, it is almost impossible to study our way. Thank you, thank you. With this spirit to polish…
…chance to hear it, there is the way, there is the voice of buddha, thank you. So when you see, when you listen to your teacher, you will not think about his nationality or his sex, or whether he is old or young. It doesn't matter. That is what dogen…
…whether he is old or young. It doesn't matter. That is what dogen says. Even a girl of seven years old may be your teacher, if you know this point. Secret of practice: that is pure practice which you can apply to your everyday life. Our instruction of…
…you have no chance to practice pure practice. It is quite easy if you have, if you say Hai, That's all. No other secret. My teacher had many disciples, not so many, but pretty many and he was always angry with us, always because we are lazy, we are…
…there, do you? My name is shunryu. Shunryu, this is the name. Huh, not much. You make me breathless. You must be a great teacher you know not me. You must use your name, but I'm okay. I'm here anyway drinking water a lot of water. My teacher died…
…must be a great teacher you know not me. You must use your name, but I'm okay. I'm here anyway drinking water a lot of water. My teacher died when when I was 32 years old, I was not so lucky, you know in this point. So I want to live as much as…
…give me ten years. All right, I'm asking to give me ten years more. Then you will be you know 40 50. You will be a good teacher. If you try hard, if you follow Buddhist way you will sure to be a good person. That is quite I am so sure about that…
…teaching or sawagi roshi's teaching you know the answer is there. Oka Sotan Roshi came from one source. He was a really great teacher. Not only was he a great teacher for his disciples, but also for reimu who studied under him. He was a great teacher.…
…know the answer is there. Oka Sotan Roshi came from one source. He was a really great teacher. Not only was he a great teacher for his disciples, but also for reimu who studied under him. He was a great teacher. I wanted to tell you something about…
…great teacher. Not only was he a great teacher for his disciples, but also for reimu who studied under him. He was a great teacher. I wanted to tell you something about how to extend Ashikaga Taza to your everyday life today right now, I take out the…
…to school. So he didn't say yes so easily. So you know he said, you know I want to study hard and become a good teacher and give precepts you know jukai ojukai having ojukai and precepts to many people. So let me study, let me study more. And his…
…know it should be like this you know it should not be just lineage of Soto, it should be rinzai and Soto. But his teacher agreed: okay, maybe I was wrong but you know this lineage is the lineage which kankei zenji had, famous also famous teacher kankei…
…teacher agreed: okay, maybe I was wrong but you know this lineage is the lineage which kankei zenji had, famous also famous teacher kankei zenji had. So according to kankei zenji's lineage, my lineage is not wrong. But if Dongen Zenji's lineage is like…
…roshi saw him again, he you know, he had, he was making, he finished half of it already, which was quite good. And his teacher, Sotan Roshi's teacher, went to some specialist to make it and studied how to make it and you know tried to do it again.…
…him again, he you know, he had, he was making, he finished half of it already, which was quite good. And his teacher, Sotan Roshi's teacher, went to some specialist to make it and studied how to make it and you know tried to do it again. But as oka…
…know lineage paper for you. When you have big you know ojukai, this is for you. When he said so he almost cried. And teacher and disciple cried you know what do you say, Hugging and cried. And then teacher said oka roshi said this lineage paper is…
…you. When he said so he almost cried. And teacher and disciple cried you know what do you say, Hugging and cried. And then teacher said oka roshi said this lineage paper is okay, although it is not you know exactly dogen zenji had it it is okay. As…
…master but also as a man, you know as a human. He was the most sincere student of Buddhism. Oka roshi was that kind of teacher you know, I didn't know actually, you know what we should do with our old okesa after you know Yoshida Roshi showed us how…
…how are you? It is not just little, it is you. It is very important to know how is your friend, how is your teacher, and you should understand exactly what your friend is and what your teacher means when he says something. That is pretty difficult. You…
…to know how is your friend, how is your teacher, and you should understand exactly what your friend is and what your teacher means when he says something. That is pretty difficult. You cannot always take advice if your teacher is bad because he only…
…your friend is and what your teacher means when he says something. That is pretty difficult. You cannot always take advice if your teacher is bad because he only says something he does not say only to make you happy. He may say sometimes to make you…
…something very well, you know he may say something you discourage your understanding, you discourage your intellectual understanding because if your teacher says oh your understanding is very good, then you may stick to it. That is the problem not to stick…
…is right. But on the other hand, you became arrogant because of your understanding in this place, that kind of thought, your teacher will definitely care for you so that you are, so that you can develop your practice in this sense, because even to…
…even to not be arrogant, to understand, even to say he was literate, it is difficult for you to talk with your teacher. There are many korans, but those korans are a story between teacher and disciple, communication between teacher and disciple. So if…
…literate, it is difficult for you to talk with your teacher. There are many korans, but those korans are a story between teacher and disciple, communication between teacher and disciple. So if you, when you read it just read it you cannot understand at…
…for you to talk with your teacher. There are many korans, but those korans are a story between teacher and disciple, communication between teacher and disciple. So if you, when you read it just read it you cannot understand at all. Maybe even it is very…
…pretty hard to understand. When I was young maybe I was 15 or 16 I came back from memorial service of our neighbor, original teacher and his disciple. It was already almost dark. Until we go back to my country there were not one mile, but pretty long.…
…it is true it is true. And he said: hi, why don't you go home? We don't trust you. And he came home and the teacher asked him: why don't you sit here? I have something to tell you. He realized something is happening because he said sit down. And he…
…very, not careful, we should be attentive always. Even though you are treating, you should be attentive. That is very strict. My teacher was totally one good enough he was because there were four others every morning but that time they became critical. So…
…practice. That is another point. Whether you are practicing selfish practice or unselfish practice will be pointed out by a teacher. The teacher knows whether you are practicing selfish practice or right practice. The teacher can easily tell. And you should…
…That is another point. Whether you are practicing selfish practice or unselfish practice will be pointed out by a teacher. The teacher knows whether you are practicing selfish practice or right practice. The teacher can easily tell. And you should not stick…
…unselfish practice will be pointed out by a teacher. The teacher knows whether you are practicing selfish practice or right practice. The teacher can easily tell. And you should not stick to same old system or same old problem. But problem will help you…
…right, it is bad enough for them. As an example, we must be ashamed of thinking same thing over and over. If you come to your teacher, your teacher will help you this is so but the way he helps you will not be same way. Same old way he don't help…
…is bad enough for them. As an example, we must be ashamed of thinking same thing over and over. If you come to your teacher, your teacher will help you this is so but the way he helps you will not be same way. Same old way he don't help you same…
…bitter for other people. And when you think in that way, you are feeling. When you feel in that way, that is how your teacher helps you. If you, if your teacher gives you always sweet answer, he doesn't say bad word, you will be involved in ten more…
…think in that way, you are feeling. When you feel in that way, that is how your teacher helps you. If you, if your teacher gives you always sweet answer, he doesn't say bad word, you will be involved in ten more problems and then number ten. And if…
…I cannot give you all the reason, but it may be better for you, for your practice, if I just usual person and usual teacher observing from usual way, like river or mountain I believe that that is better. If I give some reason why mountain is like…