Student X: Docho
Roshi, I am drowning in a great ocean. Will I wake up and discover this is a
dream?
SR: How did you feel [laughs, laughter]?
Student X: I can't describe it.
SR: Which do you prefer: to be drowned in the ocean or safe on the land? Which is better? Which do you like better?
Student X: [Long pause.] I don't know. [Laughter.]
SR: “Do not know” is right. It is very difficult to decide, you know. If so, you should prefer to stay in bottomless ocean with some difficulty, because you have more possibility. If you are on the land in this way, there is not much hope. To have some chance to struggle for is very good, you know. You feel much better. Even if you have fear, soon you will manage it. -------------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 68-04-23-B as found on shunryusuzuki.com. Edited by DC
SR: How did you feel [laughs, laughter]?
Student X: I can't describe it.
SR: Which do you prefer: to be drowned in the ocean or safe on the land? Which is better? Which do you like better?
Student X: [Long pause.] I don't know. [Laughter.]
SR: “Do not know” is right. It is very difficult to decide, you know. If so, you should prefer to stay in bottomless ocean with some difficulty, because you have more possibility. If you are on the land in this way, there is not much hope. To have some chance to struggle for is very good, you know. You feel much better. Even if you have fear, soon you will manage it. -------------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 68-04-23-B as found on shunryusuzuki.com. Edited by DC