Bothered Quote by Shunryu Suzuki
“When you are practicing zazen, do not try to stop your thinking. Let it stop by itself. If something comes into your mind, let it come in, and let it go out. It will not stay long. When you try to stop your thinking, it means you are bothered by it. Do not be bothered by anything. It appears as if something comes from outside your mind, but actually it is only the waves of your mind, and if you are not bothered by the waves, gradually they will become calmer and calmer.”
About This Quote
In Zen meditation, thoughts should be observed without interference, allowing them to arise and fade naturally, leading to mental calm.
In simple terms: Do not try to stop thoughts; let them come and go.
Practice non‑attachment to thoughts for inner peace.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- daily meditation
- stressful situations
- creative work
- emotional regulation
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you notice thoughts without judgment?
- What practices help you return to calm after distraction?
Thoughts may persist if underlying anxiety is unaddressed.