Suzuki Flower Buddhsm and Science

Yesterday's Shunryu Suzuki lecture excerpt implied that seeing things in a scientific way was to see a flower as static, not something always changing like Buddhism. I'm confident to say Suzuki was wrong and didn't understand that science for a long time has seen phenomenae as ever changing too. 

I was in a class on the scientific method and the professor pointed out that from a scientific point of view "this chair isn't a chair" and explained how it's made up of atoms etc always moving and it would be more accurate to call it - I forget what he said - something like chairness or chairing. At that point I said, "Oh - like Buddhism." "No!" he exploded and said a bunch of ignorant stuf about Buddhism. I got him together with Reb and they got along quite well and he changed his mind about Buddhism as Suzuki would have about science if someone had talked to him about it at that time which might have happened at a later date. He wasn't attached to his views so it wouldn't have been hard for him to see his error. Or he might have known better at the time but used the word science carelessly. - DC

Yesterday's post:

You think “there is a flower.” But the actual flower is changing. But you see the flower— “there is a flower, and this flower is always like this.” This is, perhaps, your understanding of the flower. But actually, the flower is changing. When you see something in a scientific way, actually, you do not see “things as it is.”

Understanding a Flower

You think “there is a flower.” But the actual flower is changing. But you see the flower— “there is a flower, and this flower is always like this.” This is, perhaps, your understanding of the flower. But actually, the flower is changing. When you see something in a scientific way, actually, you do not see “things as it is.”

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-B as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

The Esselen People

David Rogers kindly shared with us

Chapter One: the Esselen People

a chapter from A History of the Tassajara Region

cuke Esselen Indians page

David Rogers cuke page

I like his use of the word people instead of Indians - dc

Understanding

In our way of Zen, we emphasize the way-seeking mind, in other words, bodhisattva-mind. In Zen, people say “way it is” or “to observe everything as it is.” But “the way it is” or “to observe things as they are” will not be the same as what you mean by that. I find there are big misunderstandings in your understanding of “way it is” or “to observe things as it is.”

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-B as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Keep Religion Sharp

If you cut paper with a razor, the razor will become dull. So, you should not use a razor when you cut paper. That is why Dogen Zenji emphasized the purity of Buddhism. Religion should be pure and sharp always, so that it can serve its original purpose—its own purpose. Leave every other activity for other people. We religious people should devote ourselves to pure genuine religion. And we should keep religion sharp enough to always cut various entanglements completely.

Image generated by Leonardo.ai

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Spreading Indra's Net

A new book by Richard Jaffee (one of the editors)

Spreading Indra's Net: the Columbia Lectures of D.T. Suzuki.

Columbia U. Press page for the book

Amazon

Richard's cuke page

Featured Cuke Archives page

Ted Howell came to the SFZC in the mid-seventies and stuck around a long time. In this podcast, part two of two, he talks about his time at the SF Zen Center and a good deal more.  Listen to the podcast and read more about him on his new Cuke page.

Mixed Up

Someone said Western people failed in creating their culture by ignoring religion. And Oriental people made a great mistake in abusing religion. Buddhism was too handy, so we abused religion too much. So, now we don’t know what true religion is. Oriental religion is mixed up [laughs]. In India, China, Korea, and even Japan, Buddhism is so handy that it’s used instead of medicine. Religion is used instead of education and science; all our culture is based on Buddhism. That is too much. When you abuse something, the true original advantage will be lost.

Image generated by ChatGPT

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Right Way

If I say, “Treat everything in the right way,” it looks very rigid and formal, but it is not so. This secret of Dogen Zenji will work.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

RIP Diana Mukpo

The Passing of
Lady Diana Mukpo 

on the Chronicles of CTR

Chogyam Trungpa cuke page

I met her in 1970 when she and Trungpa and entourage visited Tassajara. She was quiet and sweet at the time. - dc

Here's a snippet with her on that visit. From the 2nd Tassajara Stories book to be published next year.

Stan was in charge of guests. The night of Trungpa’s talk, Suzuki asked Stan to come to his room. When Stan did so, Suzuki handed him a box of powdered incense to give to Trungpa and Diana. Diana answered the door and invited Stan in. Trungpa was in back, so Stan presented the incense to Diana, bowing his head respectfully. Diana did the same and they bumped heads which caused Stan to drop the box spilling the powdered incense on the floor. Trungpa came up and saw the two of them on the floor getting the incense back in the box. Stan looked up and said, “This powdered incense is a gift from Suzuki Roshi.”

 

Trungpa said, “Would you like to have a drink?”

A Combination

Recently, even though you have a very advanced culture, there is something which you don’t know what to do about, that is your mind [laughs]. You don’t know what to do with this mind. You have various tools, but you have no mind to use them. That is your problem, I think. And we Japanese people have studied what is our mind, but we have become too attached to your civilization and almost forget what we have studied [laughing]. That is our problem just now. So, a combination of the two will create something wonderful, I think.

Image generated by ChatGPT

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Too Bright

For a long time after the Renaissance, you have forgotten the value of religion. You have tried to exchange science and philosophy for religion. You are Christian, but actually what you have been doing is replacing science for religion. And you wanted to establish human culture quite free from the authority of religion [laughs]. You had quite good reasons in your effort to try to reform your culture before it became too dark. Now it is too bright. You went too extreme, I think [laughs].

Image generated by Leonardo AI

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Featured Cuke Archives page

Ted Howell | Podcast - Ted Howell came to the SFZC in the mid-seventies and stuck around a long time. In this podcast, part one of two, he talks about what he’s up to these days, his relationship with squirrels and crows, what transpired on his way to Zen Center, his arrival there and the first thing he learned—having to do with footwear. One point of interest is about his early acting training and relationship with Robin Williams.

Beyond Worldly Value

Zazen practice is not the kind of practice you can compare with your everyday activity. This is quite a different practice from your everyday activity. We say, “no value in our practice.” No material value or physical value or mental value. It is beyond any worldly value. And it is the source of all our activity, the source of all our culture.

Image generated by ChatGPT

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Sit on Your Cushion

We say, just sit on your cushion. It may be pretty difficult to find the meaning of “just sit on your cushion.” It may be pretty difficult if you do not know how important it is. But the more you study your life and the more you have problems in your everyday life, you will find out how important it is to practice Zen.

Image generated by Google Gemini

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Do Something Gratefully

This kind of self is what we mean by self, and this kind of life is called a religious life in our sense. So, the best way to repay the mercy of the great boss is to do something. There is no other way. And to be grateful to him is the only way.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

This Boss

The difference between an ordinary boss and this boss is, he does not say anything. He just watches what you are doing. He is always encouraging you, that’s all. He will not give you any suggestions, but because he is your boss and you are his small boss, you will know intuitively what you should do. This is our practice.

Drawing by Stan White

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Good Morning, Boss

One Zen master always called up the boss, and he used to say, “Ohayo gozaimasu, boss” [laughs] “good morning, boss,” “good evening, boss,” “how are you, boss?” The neighbors wondered, he might be crazy. He was always going around saying “good morning” and “good night.” He had no boss, so he must have been crazy. But he was always calling up the big boss who’s always doing something. Even when sleeping, he is doing something [laughs]. If you forget all about the boss, you may eat too much. When you know you are under the control of the big boss, you will not eat too much. You will not do anything wrong. Whatever you do will be right.

Image generated by Leonardo.Ai

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Featured Cuke Archives pages

Peter Ford started helping with Cuke Archives in 2012, maybe earlier. Not sure. Since the day he started he's been pretty much full time. For a number of years he's been the Managing Director of Cuke Archives. Thanks to Peter I can concentrate on special projects. In the podcast we talk about the work he's done and his way-seeking mind story. Nine bows to Peter for all he's done and continues doing - dc. We also talked about the San Francisco Zen Center's review of David's forthcoming book: Tassajara Stories.

What is pure practice?

Now, what I want to ask is, what is our practice? What is pure practice? As I said just now, all practices will be dualistic. When it is dualistic, it looks like rigid rules, but it is not so for a man who realizes true self. Because it is impossible to figure out what it is, we ignore true self. It is not interesting—or you cannot have any interest in studying true self because it is empty. It is empty, but it is there! [Laughs.] But if you ignore this boss, you will suffer a lot.

Drawing by Stan White

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

The Existence of Mind

I don’t know existentialism, so I cannot compare, but there must be some difference. We have no existentialism, but in our Buddhist philosophy we have this kind of interpretation of our mental functions. We Buddhists suffered a lot [laughs] about our mind, so Buddhism studies our mind. Our mind is very troublesome [laughs]. We don’t know what to do with it. So, at last we found that it is impossible to study our mind, but you cannot deny the existence of mind.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Mental Activity Itself

Before philosopher Northrop, they classified our mental functions in three ways: pursuing truth, pursuing goodness, and pursuing beauty. But actually, those functions are not independent. When we do something, it is willpower, and it involves emotions. And it also involves good and bad ethics. So, if one of them is lacking, you cannot do anything. So, it is better to study it as mental activity itself, without classifying in three ways. This way is nearer to Buddhism—phenomenology or existentialism is close to Buddhism. But [laughs] not exactly so.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Religion Covers Everything

Before Buddhism was known to the West, by religion you meant Christianity. So, it’s no wonder that the Western idea of religion is quite different from our idea of religion. Our idea of religion covers everything, all of human culture. So, it is impossible to study by a scientific way, because science takes some viewpoint. But religion can take viewpoints of science, or natural science, or cultural science, or ethics, or philosophy, or logic, so studying from a fixed standpoint cannot understand what religion is because it covers everything.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Understanding of Religion

If you compare the Shobogenzo to your philosophy of religion, you will find the difference between your understanding of religion and Dogen’s understanding of religion. He does not allow his Shobogenzo to be a philosophy. Shobogenzo is not philosophy. Shobogenzo is religious literature, or religious philosophy, not philosophy of religion [laughs]. Direct religious experience is Shobogenzo.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Religious Culture

When I say inmost request, it may sound like something emotional or some activity, but it is not so. Religious culture in our sense is not just building or painting or rituals in the monastery. Our religious culture includes all culture: science and philosophy and everything. From our viewpoint we call it religious culture. So, what you do—what you cook in the kitchen is religious activity. When you work in the zendo, it is religious activity. Not just bowing to Buddha is our religious activity.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

This Kind of Practice

When your meal is ready, someone who is responsible for the kitchen will bow to the zendo. This bow is for you, who practice zazen here, including Buddha. But usually they bow in the kitchen, so we don’t know, so we cannot answer the bow, so we don’t. But actually, the head of the kitchen will bow for us who practice this practice. The practice is done by your Buddha nature. This kind of bow is the bow which we do to the Buddha. Buddha is someone who is practicing this way. Not only Buddha, but also every existence is doing this kind of practice.

Image generated by Google Gemini

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Lost in Duality

If you ignore true “I,” which chooses “What should I do?” then you will be lost in duality. “What shall I do? This way or that way?” Just duality—you will suffer in duality. When you have a strong inmost request, a strong desire to do the right thing, there’s no alternative. The conclusion will be indubitably found out.

Image generated by ChatGPT

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Featured Cuke Archives page

Marsha Angus  has been a therapist for many in and out of the SFZC realm for decades. She received lay ordination in 1979 from Richard Baker, was shuso at SFZC in 2007 and received lay entrustment in 2010 from Dairyu Michael Wenger. She started practicing at Green Gulch Farm in 1975. She lives in Mill Valley with her partner, Kiku Christina Lehnherr. Listen to the podcast and learn more.

Not Dualistic

When we practice something, it is of course dualistic. Our practice may be dualistic. But when you practice with awareness of this inmost “I,” your practice is not dualistic anymore. Your practice looks dualistic, but your practice is done by the inmost request of your nature. That is not dualistic.

Image generated by ChatGPT

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Belated RIP Alice Haspray

 Just recently learned that Alice Haspray died a year go. 

Farewell dear friend from long ago and more recently. It's been good to know you.

Tribute to Alice on Chronicles of CTR

Alice and Richard Haspray cuke page

Inmost Nature

Yesterday I explained something about our inmost nature. This nature is not possible to study by science, or philosophy. This nature cannot be an object of study. We can point at it, but we cannot study what it is. For instance, when you choose one of two ways, it is not possible to know what that “you” is. You choose one of two ways. “What shall I do?” you may ask. It is not possible to figure out what that “I” is.

Image generated by ChatGPT

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Practice Covers Everything

In the Soto School, most Zen masters do not use koans because we stress the self-use of one sole existence. Our practice covers everything. When you do something, that practice covers everything. So, in our religious experience there is no duality. Our religious experience is not in a thinking or even a contemplative realm. That is why we do not use koans, even though koans are useful of course. But they will not help us to have ultimate religious experience.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-27-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Paradox

There is always paradox in philosophical study. It cannot be helped. And there is truth, you know. Where there is paradox there is truth if you have eyes to see [laughs]. But as long as you are confined to philosophical study, you have no eyes to see through paradoxical statements. Philosophy is good because it is paradoxical. So, we Buddhists use paradoxical expressions. It should be paradoxical, so we apply paradoxical expressions as philosophers do. And we do not think that is paradoxical.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Yoga Practice

If yoga practice is good, it’s all right. It is not yoga practice itself, but in what way or purpose they practice yoga is the very important point. It is like medicine: If you take it in a proper way, it is all right, but not if you rely on it too much. So, yoga practice is not the only way to help you [laughs]. We should know that I think.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Featured Cuke Archives page

Life in Bali - Independence Day - August 17, 2025, 80th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence from the Netherlands. Ketut, Kadek, and I attend a sunrise concert of jazz great Indra Lesmana at the beach in front of Bali Beach Hotel, and I DC reminisce about when Katrinka and I used to live in that area and free associate some. Listen to the podcast.

"O Mother Gaia: The World of Gary Snyder"

An excellent film called O Mother Gaia: The World of Gary Snyder was completed in April 2025, just in time for Gary's 95th birthday. The 100-minute film by Colin Still features extensive footage of Gary himself along with Allen Ginsberg, Michael McClure, Peter Coyote, Jane Hirschfield, Carol Koda (his late wife), and Jack Shoemaker (his publisher).

It was freely viewable online for a week in early May. A number of people very much enjoyed it, but others were not able to see it during that period.

The same film will again be freely viewable for three days this week: Tuesday-Thursday, August 19-21. To view it you need to sign in at this link: https://email.loa.org/h/i/3F28A6B75113E70C 

Wikipedia article on Gary Snyder: -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gary_Snyder

Two related essays by Ken Knabb:

• Gary Snyder: "Buddhist Anarchism" -- https://www.bopsecrets.org/CF/garysnyder.htm
• Kenneth Rexroth: "Gary Snyder: Smokey the Bear Bodhisattva" -- https://www.bopsecrets.org/rexroth/essays/snyder.htm 

Not Pure Enough

If there is no religion, you will make an effort to utilize morality, or to make some excuse for what you do. If there is no religion, that will be your effort. Not pure enough, you know. You are just making excuses because our constitution says, “Oh, this is good, and this is bad.” But when it is not convenient, you will not say anything [laughs, laughter]. That is morality.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

No Other Way

I am not talking about ethics. What I can say now is for a person who understands that there is no alternative way to take. There is no “bad” if we understand our inmost nature. In the realm of morality there are two ways: good and bad. That is ethics. “This is good, and that is bad.” So, you have to take good instead of bad: That is morality. But that is if you live in a moral realm. But in a religious life, there is no alternative. There is only just one way. When you become quite religious, there is no other way to take. Water does not come up; it always comes down. —cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Photo by Gene DeSmidt

Two Different Matters

For me science is different. It’s from the viewpoint of a scientist. That is why even a scientist who has very advanced knowledge in a scientific way may become very superstitious [laughs]. You may say, “How is it possible for him to believe in such a primitive idea?” But some of them are quite superstitious. Science and spiritual life are quite different for him. Scientific knowledge and spiritual understanding are quite different: two matters for us.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Religion and Science

You have a very advanced science and various kinds of philosophy. And your achievements are almost perfect, especially in natural sciences. These achievements are very meaningful for us Buddhists. But Buddhists will give another interpretation from another angle. We do not change what you have achieved. We believe in your achievements. There is no room to [laughs] ignore scientific truth. But that is scientific knowledge. We should know that it is not religious knowledge which is something different. Religion understands science from another angle, without changing the conclusions. We do not doubt scientific truth. We accept scientific truth. But we will give some other interpretation to it, without changing the conclusions of science.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Proper Time, Proper Way

So our way is to do something in the proper time, in a proper way [laughs]. That is Zen, in short. And mind and object is one. Did you understand?

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Let me tell you about my journey through 35 years of Zen practice

A Life in Zen by Anshi Zachary Smith, director of the North Mountain Zendo, a zazenkai (sitting) group in North Beach, San Francisco, California - published by aeon essays. “Growing up in countercultural California, ‘enlightenment’ had real glamour. But decades of practice have changed my mind.”

Anshi Zachary Smith, Ryushin Paul Haller, Doshin Mako Voelkel

Respect Everything

When we idealize something, and when we become attached to the idea of “you,” I may abuse you. I think it is possible to abuse there, but it is not possible. When you do something which is not possible, [laughs] you will have problems, that’s all. That is why he says there is no time or space. Actually, what exists is what you see, or what you do, or what you hear in this moment. So, you must not abuse it, and you must not even try to utilize it. Just respect everything and just treat everything respectfully. That is our way.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Actual Relationships

Instead of emphasizing time and space, Dogen emphasized actual relationships which exist just now. That is why he is very strict with what we do—how we treat everything. We may abuse something because we think there is some permanent existence [laughs]. But actually, we cannot abuse anything. It would create a problem because there is no such thing which can be abused. Everything is living existence which does not have an alternative way of expression. When I say something and you are listening, there is no alternative [laughs] expression of yourself or of me.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

No Time and No Space

Dogen said, “There is no time and no space.” What he meant was no time or space as you think. Actual time is continuous and discontinuous. And it is not even a time. It is the actual growth in a flower, the actual sun rising in the east and setting in the west. This is time, actually. So, in this sense, he says there is no time and no space. What actually exists is our movement which moves in one whole existence. We are all moving, and there is some uniformity in our moving. That is actual time and space.

Image generated by ChatGPT

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Just Sit as Yourself

A direct teaching on renunciation and zazen

By Shunryu Suzuki Roshi

 Fall 2025 Tricycle Magazine

From Becoming Yourself: Teachings on the Zen Way of Life by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi, edited by Jiryu Rutschman-Byler and Sojun Mel Weitsman.

Featured Cuke Archives page

Adam Beck was living at Tassajara before the SF Zen Center bought it in December of ‘66 from his parents. He was two at the time. He’s an artist now living in San Anselmo. I’ve known him through the ensuing years, so we’ve got a lot to say to each other, and he’s got a lot to say about Tassajara, Suzuki, Baker, and more in this podcast. Also, at first I apologize for an error in the prior Beginner’s Mind podcast.

Mixing Up

What I am afraid of is mixing up with religion: Zen and LSD [laughs]. There is very, very little relationship. It is quite another matter, the problem of LSD and the problem of religion are quite different matters. Actually, religious people may use it. But when we discuss something or when we want to figure out the clear idea of LSD, we must make this point clear, or else we will have useless discussion. One is going this way, and the other is going that way. And they will have no chance to meet [laughs].

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Not Too Much LSD

Student: What about things like LSD? Can it help?

SR: [Laughs] I have no experience of taking LSD, but that is not so important a problem at all. I think that is just like a medicine. So of course, if you take too much medicine, [laughs] it will not be good for you. But there is no objection to taking it, I think.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

Realize Our Hidden Nature

We are all Shakyamuni Buddha, but if you do not practice and train yourself, you cannot be Shakyamuni Buddha. We have hidden nature, but if we do not realize our hidden nature, we cannot be Shakyamuni Buddha. To realize his nature as your own is religion.

Image generated by leonardo.ai

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

What Should I Do With My Mind

Science will bring you some universal truth, which is like a telescope. You will have a vast sight of mind which is universal, as if you see San Francisco from Tamalpais. Of course it helps you, but [laughs] you will not be so interested in the science of minds in general. The most concerning problem for us is what should I do with my mind. And only religion will give you the answer: What should you do with your mind? This is the kind of mind religious people are very concerned about.

Drawing generated by Microsoft Copilot

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.

A Piece on the Spread of Beginner’s Mind

 After I did the recent podcast on The Rise of Beginner’s Mind, I decided to put the gist of it down to something readable and called it The Spread of Beginner’s Mind. You can find it posted on the Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind page on cuke.com. There’s a link to the podcast there too. I’m going to work on this story more and do deeper research. - dc

Psychology and Religion

Psychology studies our mind as an object of study. “Here is mind which is universal to everyone. And what is the function of our mind?” This is psychology. But in religion we study our own mind. This is the difference. My own mind—not everyone’s mind [laughing]. I don’t mind some other’s mind, but we do mind our own mind [laughter]. That is religion.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-07-26-D as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. These posts are also on Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. We are continually working on improving the quality of transcriptions of Suzuki's lectures. After a new "verbatim transcript" is made, we create a minimally edited version which is more readable. See the most recently completed transcripts at shunryusuzuki.com/n.