And there is no Buddha, even. But usually when you say “no Buddha,” [laughs] it means that you stick to only one of the three understandings: that is, you know, “no buddha,” the opposite of “buddha.” [1] Buddha, [2] no buddha, and [3] no buddha and buddha. Whatever you say, it is all right. If you have complete, you know, understanding of it, whatever you say, it is all right. Only when you don't understand buddha, you know, you are concerned about if I say there is no-buddha. “You are a priest how you can say there is no buddha?! And why do you chant? Why do you bow to buddha?” [Laughs.] --------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 69-03-09 - as found on shunryusuzuki.com. 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 e,xcerpts daily provides another way to experience Suzuki's teaching.
