Whether you understand a teacher intellectually or not is not the point. We say, when you attend a lecture, even if you are sleeping, it is all right. [Laughs, laughter.] It is all right because the teaching will come right into your home, through your nose, or skin. So, there is no need to listen with your ears. This is enough [laughs.] So, to listen with an empty mind is very important as you practice zazen.
—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 69-04-19 as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.