The rocks are where they are- and this is their will. The rivers flow- and this is their will. The birds fly- this is their will. Human beings talk- this is their will. The seasons change, heaven sends down rain or snow, the earth occasionally shakes, the waves roll, the stars shine- each of them follows its own will. To be is to will and so is to become.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the concept of will and natural order in existence.
D.T. Suzuki's quote reflects the idea that everything in the universe—whether rocks, rivers, birds, or human beings—acts according to its own inherent will. The quote suggests that existence itself is a manifestation of will, and by understanding this, one can grasp the interconnectedness of all beings and the natural world. It highlights the significance of accepting and embracing the natural processes of life and the intrinsic motives behind our actions.
In practice
This quote could be used in a philosophical discussion about free will and determinism.
Zen, in its essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's own being, and it points the way from bondage to freedom. By making us drink right from the fountain of life it liberates us from all the yokes under which we finite beings are usually suffering in this world.
The basic idea of Zen is to come in touch with the inner workings of our being, and to do this in the most direct way possible, without resorting to anything external or superadded. Therefore, anything that has the semblance of an external authority is rejected by Zen. Absolute faith is placed in a man's own inner being. For whatever authority there is in Zen, all comes from within.
Who would then deny that when I am sipping tea in my tearoom I am swallowing the whole universe with it and that this very moment of my lifting the bowl to my lips is eternity itself transcending time and space?
Enlightenment is like everyday consciousness but two inches above the ground.
We teach ourselves; Zen merely points the way.
I am an artist at living - my work of art is my life.
Being able to live without having to be defined by your skin color is the hallmark of privilege.
Guilt is altruism's stock in trade, and the inducing of guilt is its only means of self-perpetuati on.
That's what fantasies are for, to help us imagine that things are better than they are.
Much of spiritual life is self-acceptance, maybe all of it.
It is understanding that gives us an ability to have peace. When we understand the other fellow's viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.
If I devote myself to other pursuits and contemplations, I must first see, at least, that I do not pursue them sitting upon another man's shoulders. I must get off him first, that he may pursue his contemplations too.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.