Instead of criticizing, find out how to help.

Even if the sun were to rise from the west, the Bodhisattva has only one way.

If you understand real practice, then archery or other activities can be zen. If you don't understand how to practice archery in its true sense, then even though you practice very hard, what you acquire is just technique. It won't help you through and through. Perhaps you can hit the mark without trying, but without a bow and arrow you cannot do anything. If you understand the point of practice, then even without a bow and arrow the archery will help you. How you get that kind of power or ability is only through right practice.

Zen is not some fancy, special art of living. Our teaching is just to live, always in reality, in its exact sense. To make our effort, moment after moment, is our way.

It is not after we understand the truth that we attain enlightenment. To realize the truth is to live - to exist here and now.

A student, filled with emotion and crying, implored, "Why is there so much suffering?" Suzuki Roshi replied, "No reason.

Let your ears hear without trying to hear. Let the mind think without trying to think and without trying to stop it. That is practice.