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.
DISCRIMINATE, v.i. To note the particulars in which one person or thing is, if possible, more objectionable than another.
Job endured everything - until his friends came to comfort him, then he grew impatient.
We have tried to define precisely what it means to be a force for good - always do the right, ethical thing. Ultimately, 'Don't be evil' seems the easiest way to summarize it.
If you think you can grasp me, think again: my story flows in more than one direction, a delta springing from the river bed with its five fingers spread.
Where perception is, there also are pain and pleasure, and where these are, there, of necessity, is desire.
If merely 'feeling good' could decide, drunkenness would be the supremely valid human experience.
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