The secret of observing precepts is to practice Zen. Because if you practice Zen, dualistic idea of to observe or not to observe take place within your mind. You have no one to blame, and there is no one who is violating precepts. When you make effort to observe precepts, even though it is not complete that effort is Buddha-Mind's effort. But if you yourself are outside of the precepts or Buddha-Mind, there is no time to observe it completely. But if your activity is involved in Buddha's big activity, whatever you do is Buddha's effort. Then even though it is not perfect, you are manifesting Buddha's mercy and activity. --------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 65-12-11-A - as found on shunryusuzuki.com, from one of the newly discovered (2021) or recently significantly added to or changed lecture tapes. Edited by DC - Going through Suzuki lectures and posting anything that can stand on its own. Not looking for zingers or "the best of." I find that following these excerpts daily provides another way to experience Suzuki's teaching. Go to https://www.instagram.com/cuke_archives/ for more daily Shunryu Suzuki lecture excerpts - with a photo
