If we say we are part of it, the true relationship to the absolute one will be lost. If we are a part of it, then what is the real relationship to the absolute one? Part of it. And if every one of us is an unfolding of the one infinite absolute, or deity, then the meaning of each person will be lost. We are just an unfolding of one infinite being. So, each one of us loses our sense of meaning, of being. So, we are not even an unfolding of the absolute one. Or we are not even a part of it. If you think to this extent, you will find out what is the absolute one. Okay? Not part of it. And we are not an unfolding of the one being. So, [laughs] who are you? [Laughter] No words! [laughs].
—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 68-07-23 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.
