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nuthatch song


A clinical psychiatrist questioned Suzuki Roshi about consciousness.

“I don’t know anything about consciousness,” Suzuki said.  “I just try to teach my students how to hear the birds sing.”

From Zen is Right Here: Teaching stories and anecdotes of Shunryu Suzuki, edited by David Chadwick

February 12, 2010 - Posted by 108zenbooks | Eastern Teachers | ,

5 Comments »

  1. Outside ride now: the flicker calling its mate!

    Comment by Barry Briggs | February 12, 2010 | Reply

    • the click of keyboards -
      texting for more ginger tea
      -sick day spent in bed.

      Comment by Genju | February 12, 2010 | Reply

      • Sorry to hear that you’re unwell. May the spirit of ginger ease the suffering!

        And, yes, I do know the difference between “ride” and “right” – even if the difference between “right” and “wrong” isn’t always so clear!

        Comment by Barry Briggs | February 12, 2010 | Reply

  2. Reminds me of one of my favorite Suzuki Roshi quotes, “When you do something, you should burn yourself up completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself”

    Comment by Kyle | February 12, 2010 | Reply

    • Mine too! Might just use it next week… ;-)

      Comment by Genju | February 13, 2010 | Reply


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