Mind Includes Everything

According to our understanding, everything is within our mind. Our mind includes everything, and in our mind many things will take place. So, when we have this mind, whatever happens to us, that is precepts observation. When we are caught by a dualistic idea or some objective existence and worship it, that is heretical understanding. So, the spirit of a mountain or a ghost—to worship heretical shrines—is not our way of observing precepts.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-01-21-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.

Sincere Effort

If you say, “A recorded voice is precepts,” that is wrong understanding. What I am saying, what I am doing, whatever it is [laughs], that is precepts. So as a Buddhist, it is quite natural for us to take refuge in Buddha and dharma and sangha. In this way, precepts should be observed. In other words, it is sincere effort to make your life meaningful. This is precepts observation in its true sense.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-01-21-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.

How Our Life Goes

Zen practice is a practice which happens within your big mind. Precepts observation is how our life goes in its true sense. Precepts—your life goes in that way automatically. That is precepts observation. If you think the precepts are some particular rules which were set by Buddha, that is wrong understanding.

Photo by Robert S. Boni

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-01-21-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.

What Mind?

“With what mind do you [laughs] observe those precepts?” This is a kind of tricky question. With what mind? If you say, “With this kind of mind we observe precepts,” then it means your mind is separated from observing the precepts. Precepts are there, and your mind is here. That is dualistic understanding. The same thing will happen if you practice zazen with your mind. The same misunderstanding will happen to you.

Drawing by Stan White

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-01-21-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.

Full Understanding of Precepts

Precepts are not 16 or 250 or 500 rules. There must be an innumerable number of precepts. So, it is necessary for us to have full understanding of precepts and to make effort to observe precepts. Whenever a great Zen master or religious hero appears, precepts observation is emphasized by them. And even before any great teachers like Dogen appeared, there were several famous masters who emphasized precepts.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-01-21-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.

Physically and Mentally

Observation of the precepts is very important for Zen practice. If we eat too much, we cannot sit. If we do not have enough sleep, we cannot sit. So physically and mentally, you have to adjust your life so that you can sit. This is a very important point. Zen or Buddhism is actually a way of life, and the way of life is the precepts.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 66-01-21-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.

Respect Our Traditions

Even in a busy country like America, we should spend some time in this kind of practice. And I think we should have more composure in our lives, and we should respect our traditions, both Buddhist and Christian.

Peter Schneider and Brother David Steindl-Rast

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Effort To Reform

Zen Buddhism was accepted completely by people after the Kamakura period. So, our effort is concentrated mainly inward. Even though they were fighting with each other, they did not forget to practice Zen and to make some effort to reform their characters.

Minneapolis Institute of Art

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Very Simple

The pessimistic people in old times tried to make some compensation by their elaborate effort, building beautiful temples or making priests’ robes with lotus thread or making thousands of stupas. In this way they practiced repentance, so their sincerity should be appreciated fully, but their way was too elaborate, and their way was not practical enough. But the Zen way was very simple, and the teaching is very direct and to the point.

Sandy Hollister working on a rakusu

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Practical

After studying Buddhism, we became more and more reflective. And we concentrated on working inwardly, instead of just making outward effort. Maybe before Zen Buddhism came, we became too pessimistic. And Zen Buddhism was very practical, although it is more strict and more simple, but it is practical.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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 Triple Treasure

After Buddhism was introduced to Japan, people became more and more pessimistic! They had to think more [laughs], and they had to reflect on themselves more. Before they thought, “We are doing everything right,” [laughs] but it was not so. So, Prince Shotoku set up the constitution of Japan, and he said, “It is necessary to improve our character. If we want to improve our character, it is necessary to study Buddhism. Without respecting Buddha, Dharma, Sangha—the Triple Treasures—how is it possible to reform our character?”

Wikimedia Commons

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Sincere Practice

Everyone knows Zazen is very difficult. You cannot practice it completely. But we should not give up [laughs]. As long as we are human beings, we should not give up. We don’t need a reason why we should practice it. Before you realize the necessity of practice, you will ignore it. But your practice brings out various necessities that will drive sincere practice. In this way, our practice will be polished. And at the same time, our everyday life will be refined.

Photo by Tim Buckley

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Strict Discussion About The Teaching

For advanced students, we have more and more strict precepts. The last precept we recite, is “don’t ignore and don’t be blasphemous about the teaching.” This is the last one. Pretty advanced students will be critical of the teaching [laughs]. So, for such students we give very, very strict punishment [laughs], because of love. They will not like candy anyway. They will like strict discussion about the teaching.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Within Yourself

It looks like a very impractical waste of time to sit here all day on your cushion [laughs]; but if you understand yourself, you will understand why we practice zazen. The necessity of zazen and the precepts are within yourself and not outside. We try to observe strict precepts for ourselves, not for others at all.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Rules and Laws

The usual meaning of rules and laws is that we observe them to protect citizens for the benefit of society. But Buddhist precepts are for each one of us and not for someone else. The precepts, which look unreal and idealistic, are really more practical for each human being and better satisfy our inmost request.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

More Human

And artistic expression of the teaching also is not perfect. But in art, too, that which was painted may be more real than actual existence [laughs]. It is the same thing with our teaching. Our teaching may seem more human than actual human nature.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Intellectual Study

Intellectual study of Buddhism is of course necessary, but you should not stay at the edge of Buddhism. Intellectually, Patriarchs made a great effort. Even though they were often treated as heretics, they studied from a pure intellectual point of view and tried not to ignore the smallest illogical point of Buddhism. Historically there is some doubt about our lineage especially before Bodhidharma. Today everyone knows that the names and connections are not historically perfect, but we also know that Buddhism has been transmitted from warm hand to warm hand from Buddha’s time until our own day. The fact and spirit of the teaching have been transmitted. Historical or scientific studies are not perfect. There is a limit to scientific truth.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

As Your Own

It is necessary to have some aim in our life. The supreme aim as a Buddhist is to be a successor of our ancestors, to be a successor of the patriarchs. That is the most important point. Otherwise, you are studying Buddhism from the outside. You are always an outsider. For outsiders Buddhism is nothing. When you accept it as your own and when you try to develop it as your own, then Buddhism has tremendous meaning for us.

Image modified by Google Gemini

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Effort

Japanese members year after year, they paid the bank for this building. Even when they were in [World War II internment] camps at wartime, they collected the money in the camps and paid the mortgage. They were very proud of the effort which they made in the camps. But if you compare their effort to our ancestors’ efforts in India, China, and Japan, and our patriarchs’ devotion to this teaching, it is nothing. So, we should not forget this point, and we should continue this effort forever, generation after generation.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.

Appreciation

Buddhism has many annual year layers like big trees. And traditionally we respect those efforts which our patriarchs have made for more than two thousand years. We have made a great effort to develop Buddha’s way. And this point is very, very important for Buddhism as a religion. Without appreciation of the efforts of our patriarchs, it is difficult to have religious feeling in Buddhism.

—cuke.com/ig for links to the source of the image. Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture 65-12-11-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.