The contradiction so puzzling to the ordinary way of thinking comes from the fact that we have to use language to communicate our inner experience, which in its very nature transcends linguistics.
D.T. SUZUKIThe claim of the Zen followers that they are transmitting the essence of Buddhism is based on their belief that Zen takes hold of the enlivening spirit of the Buddha, stripped of all its historical and doctrinal garments.
More D.T. Suzuki Quotes
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Zen approaches it from the practical side of life-that is, to work out Enlightenment in life itself.
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Dhyana is retaining one’s tranquil state of mind in any circumstance, unfavorable as well as favorable, and not being disturbed or frustrated even when adverse conditions present themselves one after another.
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Because since the beginningless past we are running after objects, not knowing where our Self is.
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The waters are in motion, but the moon retains its serenity.
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As soon as you raise a thought and begin to form an idea of it, you ruin the reality itself, because you then attach yourself to form.
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Technical knowledge is not enough. One must transcend techniques so that the art becomes an artless art, growing out of the unconscious.
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Zen has no business with ideas.
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We teach ourselves; Zen merely points the way.
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Enlightenment is like everyday consciousness but two inches above the ground.
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Great works are done when one is not calculating and thinking.
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The ego-shell in which we live is the hardest thing to outgrow.
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We do not realize that as soon as our thoughts cease and all attempts at forming ideas are forgotten the Buddha reveals himself before us.
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We have two eyes to see two sides of things, but there must be a third eye which will see everything at the same time and yet not see anything. That is to understand Zen.
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Unless it grows out of yourself no knowledge is really yours, it is only borrowed plumage.
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To be a good Zen Buddhist it is not enough to follow the teaching of its founder; we have to experience the Buddha’s experience.
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