Whenever you have some difficulties, you have to watch yourself to see whether you are covered with the idea of self. If the center of the candle is covered by wax, the wick doesn't work, you have to get rid of wax on the center. So, you shouldn't cover yourself with the idea of self. You should be always pure inside your own plan. Then, when you are really established in this realm the action and actual activity is like a candle and something is ignited. Something without conflict --------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 66-01-22N - 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