Accept

Dogen Zenji said, “If one side is bright, the other side is dark.” When you say “happiness,” that’s all, only happiness. When you say “unhappiness,” you have only unhappiness. And when you accept unhappiness and happiness through and through, in this sense, in this way, you have absolute renunciation.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Oneness

So actually, the unity of opposites—two opposites exist. The pair of good and bad exists. But there is no good without bad. There is no bad without good. We always exist in a pair of contradictions. We are lucky that we are a perfect contradictory existence [laughs, laughter]. Or else, there would be no way to attain oneness. One absolute existence.

Drawing by Paul Reps

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Unity

Here is man and woman, one and the other. But actually, what does exist is the unity of man and woman. The unity of man and woman exists, but if you separate man from woman, there’s no more woman or man. Because there is man, there is woman. Because there is river, there is ship.

“Earth Ship” by Mayumi Oda

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Everyone

So, someone is here means everyone is here—in its true sense, not material sense. In materialistic understanding, that is not true. If I am here, there are many people. If I am talking here, many people are listening. But when I say, “I am talking to you.” It means “I”—the idea of “I” negates the audience. If you say, “I am listening to you,” it is a negation of the speaker. Do you understand?

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Time

There may be many, many interpretations of the idea of time. But actually, time does not exist. Time means a changing of relationship or quality or color or sights—that’s time. When the function of things changes, it is time. When the color of something changes, it is time. But actually, there’s nothing besides the actual changing of things.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Featured Cuke Archives page

Shunryu Suzuki often used the phrase "most important" usually in "the most important point" or "the most important thing." In this podcast DC reads from a page that includes every instance of these words in Suzuki lectures as found in the 2010 transcript collection. There have been additions to the Suzuki lecture archive since then, so this collection should be updated.

Bright Window Hermitage

Kokyo Henkle and Shoho Kuebast have started a new retreat place on Tassajara Rd (one mile up from Jamesburg), called Bright Window Hermitage. Check out Kokyo's blog on that site.

They're in the early stages, but are building kutis/huts for solo retreat and will also offer sesshin, etc... See Kokyo's Facebook page for many photos.

Through and Through

	According to Buddhism, suffering is valuable because it is suffering, through and through. Enlightenment is valuable because enlightenment is enlightenment, through and through. So, when we say enlightenment, the rest of things is enlightenment. When we say, “I am ignorant,” every one of us is ignorant.
—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

If

You may say if you get a lot of money, you will be happy, but it is not true. Or, if I try hard, I will attain enlightenment; that is not true [laughs]. In its true sense enlightenment is quite a different quality from ignorance. It is a pair of opposites. Because opposites, it has value. If it were possible to join enlightenment and ignorance, you could strive to attain enlightenment in a materialistic way, with money or by sitting many, many years [laughs, laughter]. You could try. But I don’t think it is possible because they are two completely different qualities.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Different

Why do we have suffering? Because we have happiness or joy on the other hand. Why we have happiness is because we have difficulties. And you cannot join happiness to difficulties. They are completely different qualities. When we feel, as long as we are conscious, it is impossible to join unhappiness and happiness. They are essentially different qualities of consciousness.

Painting by Arthur Okamura

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Wisdom

Buddha did not suffer from difficulties with a dualistic or one-sided idea. He was called Buddha because he had wisdom. His wisdom solved the contradictions of life. We human beings are by nature good and bad, half and half.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Featured Cuke Archives page

Podcast - The Heart Sutra - Eiheiji monks chant the Heart Sutra. Shunryu Suzuki's basic meaning of the kanji from the Sokoji chant card. I play it for a bed-ridden Japanese man raised Soto-shu in a retirement home. Read more about it here.

Strived

There’s no Buddha, we say. We say that because there is no natural Buddha. Buddha is someone who strived—strived faithfully through difficulties.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Breakthrough

When we find real joy of life in pain and in difficulty, that is true joy, according to Buddhism. We say, there is no natural Buddha. Buddha is someone who attained enlightenment with a human body, who has a breakthrough of human life, and who found eternal joy in human life—in immortal life.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Three Points

So, characteristic of Buddhist understanding of causality is: one way it is mechanical, and we do not ignore freedom. On the other hand, it is teleological, and we do not believe in any perfection. Believing in perfection, this is also a mistake. So, we should be free from those three mistakes: to have an idea of perfection as a human being, just to be bound by causality, and just trying to ignore the theory of cause and effect. These three points, at least as far as I know, should be understood in order to understand causality in its true sense.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

On and On and On

People have a misunderstanding. They think we human beings can attain some goal. But for human beings and for all the rest of existence there is no limit to achieving things. Things will go on and on and on. We don’t know when it will end. It should go on and on and on.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Dynamic Change

You have some purpose, some goal, and you have some way to attain that goal. If it is true, it is actually a dynamic changing life. When we follow that dynamic change of every being, our goal will be attained. But if we ignore that dynamic change of the universe, even though we have a plan in mind, it will not work. So, if your plan is right, to have some goal in your life means to follow the dynamic change of the world. In this way, our life will go on and on and on endlessly. This is right understanding.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Continuous and Discontinuous

Time is, as I always say, time is continuous and discontinuous. Time is not always continuous. Time is discontinuous. Time stops, you know. If it is going, you cannot say, "this is six o’clock or eight o’clock." When you say eight o'clock, it is eight o'clock; it is not a future nine o'clock. It is eight o'clock. So, when you say “eight o'clock,” time stops, tentatively. But actually, it is going on—we have to know that actually time is going on and on, but we have to say, tentatively “it is nine o'clock” or “seven o'clock.” From this understanding, time is some point on a straight line from past to future. But actually, time is going and going on and on, so there is no point to point at. It is going on; the only way you have it is to follow a clock or sunshine. That is the only way we form the idea of time. So, when you have an idea of time, it means you have an idea of continuity and discontinuity.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

At the Same Time

Those who believe in a teleological understanding of life sacrifice this present for the future. Actually, what we should have is happiness in this moment. To sacrifice this moment for the sake of the future is upside-down. If you understand our life, on the one hand our life should be absolutely free from past and future. At the same time, we have to have some purpose, some goal to achieve. How this contradictory way of thinking goes together is our philosophy.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Featured Cuke Archives page

Dor Ben-Amotz is a science professor who, in this podcast, talks about his experience teaching a course in Buddhism and Meditation at Bennington College in Vermont. He also speaks about how he got into Buddhism and meditation, his time at Green Gulch Farm, and more. Links to the podcast and course syllabus are at - cuke.com/f.

Freedom

In Buddhism, we do not ignore freedom. At least, at a certain moment, we have freedom. But in the next moment, we have to change our way, literally. And next we have to change more. In this way, everything will—our life, will go on and on. This is a Buddhist understanding of our life.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-08-17N as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

A Course Syllabus on Buddhism and Meditation

Dor Ben-Amotz is a science teacher who has taught classes in Buddhism and Meditation as well. Among other practice pursuits, he gets to Green Gulch for sesshin when he can. Here's a syllabus for a course he taught last fall at Bennington College in Vermont. 

No Other Way

If the earth says, I don’t want the sun [laughs], what will happen to it? There is no other way. Because of this unthinkable thinking we exist, we can think, we can live. Without this unthinkable thinking, it would change into delusion. If you insist on avoiding it, it means you are involved in dark deep delusion.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Why Something Is Important

You should not neglect our zazen because you think something else is more important. Why something is important for you is because of this practice. So, if you forget all about practice, you lose your life. Whatever you do, it doesn’t work.

Drawing by Stan White

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Aftermath of Election

Pat McMahon sends: 

AFTERMATH OF ELECTION and anticipating the inauguration of the new regime - Nov. 14, 2024

It's not a political piece. He compares how he felt with a day back in 1971 at Zen Center and transcends it all. - dc  

Pat McMahon cuke page

Beyond Thinking and Unthinking

The first way you think, that is how. That is the unthinkable. But you have no notion of thinking about anything. That is our practice. “How do you think the unthinkable. Think beyond thinking and unthinking.” Think beyond thinking and unthinking. Your thinking should be beyond I think or I don’t think. It must be right there always.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Unthinkable Thinking

What it means is very deep. How do you think the unthinkable? This is not just a question. It is a strong statement. How do you think the unthinkable. This is not interrogative. It is a strong affirmative sentence. How do you think the unthinkable. Unthinkable thinking is how.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Seeking photo

Looking for photos of Tassajara in 1967 or that will pass as 1967 with women or woman. Submitting photos for Tassajara Stories--the first year. Suggestions welcome. Thanks. - dc

Here's one I sent in that has a woman

L to R - Phillip Wilson, Shunryu Suzuki, Mitsu Suzuki, unknown, David Chadwick, Richard Baker.

Here's the link to it on shunryusuzuki.com

Featured Cuke Archives page

Memorial Podcast for Peter Schneider - Peter Schneider began sitting at Sokoji in 1963. He was ordained as a priest by Shunryu Suzuki in 1970 and received transmission from Mel Weitsman. He was at Tassajara for the first years as office manager, then director for a few years, Suzuki's attendant. He and his wife Jane got together there. They lived in Japan many years and on their return to America, founded the Beginner's Mind Zen Center in Northridge, CA, part of LA. Peter, born in 1937, died on January 4, 2025. Go to their cuke page for more and for links to the cuke podcasts with them.

All Ways Are How

So how do you think the unthinkable? There is no way. How? How is the way. Because we don’t know how. So, there you can put anything. How? This way is how. That way is how. All ways are how. It is like a fact. A cat is a fact. A dog is a fact.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

RIP Peter Schneider

from Beginner's Mind Zen Center
in Northridge, CA 

Peter Schneider, Yozen Taishin (Embracing Zen, Surrender to the Truth), ordained by Shunryu Suzuki and a dharma heir of Sojun Mel Weitsman, was born December 24, 1937.

He passed away Saturday January 4, 2025, around 8 pm. He had been alternating between hospital and a convalescent recovery facility since breaking his femur in a fall a couple months ago. His situation was complicated by a bacterial infection. Even though he was eventually declared free of the infection and taken off antibiotics, it wasn't enough. One of our sangha members said the nurse they spoke with said it was quite unexpected, as she had checked in on him an hour before he passed. It is unclear what the ultimate cause of death was.

He is survived by his wife and co-abbot Jane, and all of us. May we celebrate his life and remember his teaching.

Deep bows,

-Chris B (Myokan Daisho)

***

I've been in touch with Peter and Jane recently and Peter very recently while he was in a convalescent center. We talked a couple of times since he was there. His mind was fine. Heartfelt condolences to Jane. They were a very tight couple. From the time they got together at Tassajara they've been inseparable. They'd get sick together. He said she wasn't well either. We tended to talk the three of us together. I told them to me they were a unit. Farewell dear friend and dharma bro - dc

Peter and Jane Schneider cuke page

Like The Sun

The sun is not shining only on the earth, you know. If the earth happens to be here, the sun will shine on our earth [laughs]. Think unthinkable means your mind must be like the sun. It is shining, but it is not shining on some particular thing.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Think The Unthinkable

Think the unthinkable. You must think the unthinkable means think not about something. Usually when you think, you think about something. But if your thinking mind is directed the opposite way, that is to think the unthinkable. Your mind is still clear, but there is no object.

One-stroke brushplay by Kazuaki Tanahashi

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

To Work Inward

The power which you will obtain by true practice is the mind of hara we need. Here again, it is necessary to switch over your usual way of understanding to an opposite way of understanding. Without working toward the outside, to work inward without trying to achieve anything—to forget—to stop our mind which is working always outward. This is the most important point in Zen.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Beyond Dualistic Mind

There have been many misunderstandings about the power of hara. The power of hara is not to be some supernatural power. The power of hara is not something of which you can be proud or which you can obtain by hard practice or through dualistic effort. This mind is beyond our dualistic mind, so you cannot explain what it is by words. It is the mind which would be understood before you explain about it. This kind of mind is true mind.

Richard Baker and Shunryu Suzuki at Tassajara - 1967

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.

Zen Mind

So, the mind we will obtain by our practice is something which is very subtle and at the same time it is very great. This kind of mind is Zen mind.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 67-12-04-A as found on shunryusuzuki.com, edited by PF. Go to instagram.com/cuke_archives for the Instagram version.