Circumstances Quote by D.T. Suzuki
“Because since the beginningless past we are running after objects, not knowing where our Self is, we lose track of the Original Mind and are tormented all the time by the threatening objective world, regarding it as good or bad, true or false, agreeable or disagreeable. We are thus slaves of things and circumstances.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Zen and Japanese Culture by D.T. Suzuki, 1934
Human beings chase external objects, losing awareness of the true self and becoming enslaved to judgments of good and bad.
In simple terms: Chasing things blinds us to our true mind.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner awareness instead of external pursuit.
Themes
self‑knowledge
mindfulness
attachment
freedom
Mood
contemplative
serene
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- Meditation
- daily self‑inquiry
- mindful walking
- journaling about desires
Key Concepts
Zen
non‑duality
ego
subject‑object dualism
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you recognize when you are identifying with objects?
- What practices help you reconnect with your inner self?
A Different Perspective
The external world still influences us; complete detachment may be impractical.
