Art Quote by Shunryu Suzuki
““Zen is not some fancy, special art of living. Our teaching is just to live, always in reality, in its exact sense. To make our effort, moment after moment, is our way. In an exact sense, the only thing we actually can study in our life is that on which we are working in each moment. We cannot even study Buddha’s words.” - “So we should be concentrated with our full mind and body on what we do; and we should be faithful, subjectively and objectively, to ourselves, and especially to our feelings. Even when you do not feel so well, it is better to express how you feel without any particular attachment or intention. So you may say, “Oh, I am sorry, I do not feel well.””
About This Quote
Zen emphasizes present‑moment awareness, urging honest expression of feelings without attachment, rather than abstract study of doctrine.
In simple terms: Live fully in each moment, feeling honestly.
Key Takeaway
Mindful presence and authentic feeling are central.
Themes
mindfulness
Zen
authenticity
presence
Mood
serenity
introspection
Type
spiritual
practical
When to use this quote
- meditation practice
- therapy sessions
- creative work
Key Concepts
non‑attachment
embodied practice
Practical Applications
- practice daily check‑ins to name emotions without judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How does non‑attachment affect emotional processing?
- Can constant awareness become a distraction?
A Different Perspective
Constant self‑monitoring can become compulsive and hinder natural flow.
