For Zen students, a weed is a treasure.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
Strictly speaking, there is no such thing as an enlightened person. There is only enlightened activity.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that enlightenment is not about the person but rather about the actions they take.
Shunryu Suzuki's quote suggests that enlightenment should not be viewed as a status or an identity that one possesses; instead, it is reflected in one's actions and behaviors. This perspective encourages individuals to focus on living mindfully and engaging in activities that embody enlightened principles, rather than striving for a label of being 'enlightened'.
Themes
EnlightenmentActivityActionPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation session, this quote could be shared to emphasize the importance of mindful actions.
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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