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.
Interpretation
Zen encourages self-awareness and liberation from suffering.
This quote by D.T. Suzuki highlights the essence of Zen philosophy, which focuses on understanding one's true nature and the journey from being trapped by worldly concerns to achieving freedom. Through direct experience and mindfulness, Zen liberates individuals from the burdens and limitations that often cause suffering in life, allowing them to connect deeply with the essence of existence and find true peace.
In practice
This quote can inspire someone during a meditation workshop to reflect on their inner journey.
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?
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.
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.
Know thyself? If I knew myself I would run away.
The curious mind embraces science; the gifted and sensitive, the arts; the practical, business; the leftover becomes an economist
The man has a theory. The woman has hipbones. Here comes Death.
Many people want the government to protect the consumer. A much more urgent problem is to protect the consumer from the government.
The trouble with righting some wrongs is that it makes the remaining ones seem even more unbearable.
Man never dies, nor is he ever born; bodies die, but he never dies.
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