Skip to content

The secret of zen is just two words: not... always... so.

“The secret of zen is just two words: not... always... so.” quote by Shunryu Suzuki
Download Open image
“The secret of zen is just two words: not... always... so.”

Shunryu Suzuki

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Zen teaches that true peace comes from releasing the need to label or judge experience.

In simple terms: Let go of judgments to find peace.

Key Takeaway

Release mental labels.

Themes

mindfulness non-attachment spirituality

Mood

calm reflective

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • meditation
  • daily stress
  • conflict resolution
  • creative work

Key Concepts

Zen Buddhism impermanence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does judging hinder calm?
  • What does “not always so” mean to you?
A Different Perspective

The phrase can be misread as dismissing effort; true practice requires discipline.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Shunryu Suzuki

Explore all 262 Shunryu Suzuki quotes

More Just quotes

Browse all 25,128 Just quotes