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.]
I can't describe it.
SR: Which do you prefer: to be drowning in the ocean or safe on land? Which do you like better?
[Long pause.] I don't know. [Laughter.]
SR: “Do not know” is right. It is very difficult to decide. If so, you should prefer to stay in a bottomless ocean with some difficulties because you have more possibilities. If you are on the land in this way, there is not much hope. To have some chance to struggle is very good. 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 PF. Go to
instagram.com/cuke_archives or cuke.com/ig
for links to the full Shunryu Suzuki lecture and the source of the photo.
