Difficult Quote by Shunryu Suzuki
“Our practice should be based on the ideal of selflessness. Selflessness is very difficult to understand. If you try to be selfless, that is already a selfish idea. Selflessness will be there when you do not try anything.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, 1970
True selflessness arises when we cease striving for it, allowing natural compassion to emerge.
In simple terms: Selflessness appears when we stop trying to be selfless.
Key Takeaway
Let go of effort to be selfless.
Themes
spirituality
humility
compassion
Mood
calm
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- conflict resolution
- leadership
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Zen
non-attachment
effortlessness
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you practice compassion without attachment to outcomes?
- What does “not trying” feel like in daily life?
A Different Perspective
Attempting to force selflessness can create egoic resistance.
