When you cannot believe in
the meaning of the practice which you take in this moment, you cannot do
anything. You are just wandering about -- around the goal -- with monkey mind.
You are looking for something always, and without knowing what you are doing.
If you want to see something you should open your eyes. Instead of opening your
eyes you are trying to look at something with your eyes closed. That is what we are doing actually if we do not know the important point
which Bodhidharma pointed out. We do not slight the idea of attaining
enlightenment, but the most important thing is in this moment, not someday. We
have to make our effort with right effort in this moment. This is the most
important thing for our practice.
Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-01-05 as found on shunryusuzuki.com - - Excerpt edited by DC (One word changed) This lecture became Traditional Zen Spirit in the book, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, p. 99
Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-01-05 as found on shunryusuzuki.com - - Excerpt edited by DC (One word changed) This lecture became Traditional Zen Spirit in the book, Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, p. 99