For Zen students, a weed is a treasure.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
Each of you is perfect the way you are ... and you can use a little improvement.
Interpretation
What this quote means
We are all unique and valuable, yet there is always room for growth.
This quote emphasizes the idea that every individual possesses inherent worth and perfection in their own right, while simultaneously acknowledging the potential for personal growth and self-improvement. It highlights the balance between self-acceptance and the pursuit of becoming a better version of oneself.
Themes
Self-ImprovementAcceptanceGrowthPerfectionIndividuality
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about self-acceptance and growth.
More from Shunryu Suzuki
All quotes βIf you take pride in your attainment or become discouraged because of your idealistic effort, your practice will confine you by a thick wall.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
As long as you seek for something, you will get the shadow of reality and not reality itself.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
No teaching could be more direct than just to sit down.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
Everything is perfect, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
When you do not realize that you are one with the river, or one with the universe, you have fear. Whether it is separated into drops or not, water is water. Our life and death are the same thing. When we realize this fact, we have no fear of death anymore.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
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You cannot be buried in obscurity: you are exposed upon a grand theater to the view of the world. If your actions are upright and benevolent, be assured they will augment your power and happiness.
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Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.
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The acknowledgment of our weakness is the first step in repairing our loss.
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Seek not greatness, but seek truth and you will find both.
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