For Zen students, a weed is a treasure.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
As long as you seek for something, you will get the shadow of reality and not reality itself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that the pursuit of desires can lead to a distorted perception of reality.
Shunryu Suzuki's quote reflects the idea that when one is focused solely on seeking external goals or desires, what they experience is merely a reflection or 'shadow' of true reality. This pursuit can cloud one's ability to appreciate the present moment and the genuine nature of life, leading to a superficial understanding of existence rather than a deep connection with reality itself.
Themes
RealityDesirePerceptionTruthPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a mindfulness workshop, when discussing the importance of being present rather than always seeking more.
More from Shunryu Suzuki
All quotes βIf you take pride in your attainment or become discouraged because of your idealistic effort, your practice will confine you by a thick wall.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
No teaching could be more direct than just to sit down.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
Everything is perfect, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
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When you do not realize that you are one with the river, or one with the universe, you have fear. Whether it is separated into drops or not, water is water. Our life and death are the same thing. When we realize this fact, we have no fear of death anymore.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
Leave your front door and your back door open. _x000D_ Allow your thoughts to come and go. _x000D_ Just don't serve them tea.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
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