“Desires are inexhaustible. I vow to put an end to them.” If the purpose of keeping precepts is to annihilate our desires, that is not possible. It's a contradiction. But if the purpose of vow is to arise our buddha-mind, then it makes sense. The “inexhaustible” gives us some encouragement, and we can continue our practice forever. And we- will have firm confidence in our practice which continues forever. So we will be encouraged by this vow forever. --------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 69-04-29 - 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 excerpts daily provides another way to experience Suzuki's teaching. Got to https://www.instagram.com/cuke_archives/ for more daily Shunryu Suzuki lecture excerpts - with a photo.
