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What we call "I" is just a swinging door which moves when we inhale and when we exhale.
Shunryu Suzuki
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The 'I' is not a fixed entity but a transient experience shaped by our breath and presence.

In this quote, Shunryu Suzuki highlights the transient nature of the self, suggesting that our identity is fluid and ever-changing, much like the ebb and flow of our breath. The idea that 'I' is likened to a swinging door emphasizes that our sense of self is influenced by external and internal factors, and is not a permanent fixture but rather a dynamic experience that fluctuates with each moment.

Themes

SelfIdentityChangeBreathPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

In a meditation retreat, this quote can be used to encourage participants to reflect on the nature of their identity.

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For Zen students, a weed is a treasure.
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