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Quote by D.T. Suzuki

“Copying is slavery. The letter must never be followed, only the spirit is to be grasped. Higher affirmations live in the spirit. And where is the spirit? Seek it in your everyday experience, and therein lies abundance of proof for all you need.”

Quote by D.T. Suzuki

Work

An Introduction to Zen Buddhism

An Introduction to Zen Buddhism provides a comprehensive look at the history, teachings, and practices of Zen Buddhism. The text delves into the core concepts and techniques that define this path of enlightenment, including meditation, mindfulness, and the concept of Zen enlightenment. It is suitable for both beginners and those with some prior knowledge of Zen, aiming to offer a clear and accessible introduction to this rich and complex tradition. more

Author

D.T. Suzuki
D.T. Suzuki

D.T. Suzuki, a renowned Japanese philosopher, Buddhist scholar, and translator, was born on October 18, 1870, and died on July 12, 1966. He is best known for his profound research into Zen Buddhism and his influential translations, which have greatly contributed to the Western understanding of Eastern philosophy and culture. more

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“Zen purposes to discipline the mind itself, to make it its own master, through an insight into its proper nature. This getting into the real nature of one's own mind or soul is the fundamental object of Zen Buddhism. Zen, therefore, is more than meditation and Dhyana in its ordinary sense. The discipline of Zen consists in opening the mental eye in order to look into the very reason of existence.”

“Zen abhors repetition or imitation of any kind, for it kills. For the same reason Zen never explains, but only affirms. Life is fact and no explanation is necessary or pertinent. To explain is to apologize, and why should we apologize for living? To live—is that not enough? Let us then live, let us affirm! Herein lies Zen in all its purity and in all its nudity as well.”

“Zen wants us to acquire an entirely new point of view whereby to look into the mysteries of life and the secrets of nature. This is because Zen has come to the definite conclusion that the ordinary logical process of reasoning is powerless to give final satisfaction to our deepest spiritual needs.”