Not Always So

What's "Not Always So: Practicing the True Spirit of Zen" about?

• Zen teachings by Shunryu Suzuki: The book is a collection of lectures by Zen master Shunryu Suzuki, offering insights into the practice and philosophy of Zen Buddhism.
• Edited by Edward Espe Brown: The lectures are compiled and edited by Edward Espe Brown, who was ordained by Suzuki and is known for his work on Zen and cooking.
• Focus on everyday practice: The book emphasizes integrating Zen practice into daily life, highlighting the importance of mindfulness and presence in every moment.
• Simple yet profound teachings: Suzuki's teachings are known for their simplicity and depth, making Zen accessible to both beginners and experienced practitioners.

Why should I read "Not Always So: Practicing the True Spirit of Zen"?

• Practical Zen guidance: The book provides practical advice on how to incorporate Zen principles into everyday life, making it relevant for anyone seeking mindfulness and peace.
• Authentic Zen perspective: As a collection of lectures from a respected Zen master, it offers an authentic perspective on Zen practice and philosophy.
• Inspiration for personal growth: Suzuki's teachings encourage readers to explore their own potential and embrace the present moment, fostering personal growth and self-awareness.
• Accessible to all levels: Whether you're new to Zen or have been practicing for years, the book's teachings are accessible and can deepen your understanding of Zen.

What are the key takeaways of "Not Always So: Practicing the True Spirit of Zen"?

• Embrace imperfection: Suzuki emphasizes accepting life's imperfections and finding peace within them, rather than striving for unattainable perfection.
• Practice mindfulness: The book highlights the importance of being present and mindful in every moment, whether during meditation or daily activities.
• Non-attachment: Suzuki teaches the value of letting go of attachments and expectations, allowing for a more liberated and fulfilling life.
• Integration of practice: Zen is not just about meditation; it's about integrating the practice into all aspects of life, from eating to interacting with others.

How does Shunryu Suzuki define "beginner's mind" in the book?

• Open-mindedness: "Beginner's mind" refers to approaching life with an open and receptive attitude, free from preconceived notions and judgments.
• Endless possibilities: Suzuki suggests that in the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities, while in the expert's mind, there are few.
• Continuous learning: Embracing a beginner's mind means being open to learning and growth, regardless of one's level of experience or expertise.
• Awakening and presence: It is a metaphor for awakening and living fully in the present moment, without clinging to past knowledge or experiences.

What is "shikantaza" and how is it practiced according to Suzuki?

• Just sitting: Shikantaza is a form of Zen meditation that involves "just sitting" without any specific focus or goal, allowing thoughts to come and go naturally.
• Non-attachment to thoughts: Practitioners are encouraged not to suppress or indulge in thoughts, but to let them pass without attachment.
• Living fully in each moment: Suzuki describes shikantaza as living fully in each moment, exhaling completely, and disappearing into emptiness.
• Expression of true self: It is about expressing oneself fully and exposing oneself as one is, realizing one's true nature.

What does Suzuki mean by "freedom from everything"?

• Non-attachment: Freedom from everything involves letting go of attachments and expectations, allowing one to live more freely and authentically.
• Embracing the present: It means being fully present in each moment, without being burdened by past regrets or future anxieties.
• Liberation through practice: Suzuki suggests that through Zen practice, one can achieve a sense of liberation and peace, regardless of external circumstances.
• Interconnectedness: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and being at peace with whatever arises in life.

How does Suzuki address the concept of enlightenment in the book?

• Beyond special experiences: Suzuki dismisses the idea of enlightenment as a special experience that changes one's life forever, calling it a "mistake."
• Continuous growth: Enlightenment is described as a continuous process of forgetting the present moment and growing into the next.
• Present in every moment: He emphasizes that enlightenment is present wherever you are, and it's about living fully in each moment.
• Ordinary mind as Buddha mind: Suzuki teaches that enlightenment is not separate from ordinary mind; they are one and the same.

What are some of the best quotes from "Not Always So" and what do they mean?

• "In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s mind there are few." This quote highlights the importance of maintaining an open and curious mindset, free from preconceived notions.
• "When you do something, you should burn yourself completely, like a good bonfire, leaving no trace of yourself." It emphasizes the importance of being fully present and engaged in whatever you do, without holding back.
• "The most important thing is to be able to enjoy your life without being fooled by things." This quote encourages readers to find joy in life by seeing things as they truly are, without being deceived by appearances or attachments.
• "Wherever you are, enlightenment is there." It suggests that enlightenment is not a distant goal but is present in every moment and every place.

How does Suzuki suggest dealing with problems and challenges in life?

• Acceptance and trust: Suzuki advises accepting problems as they are and trusting that they are just enough for one's growth and development.
• Patience and composure: He emphasizes the importance of patience and maintaining composure, allowing problems to make sense over time.
• Seeing problems as treasures: Problems are seen as valuable opportunities for practice and self-discovery, rather than obstacles to be avoided.
• Trust in Buddha: By trusting in Buddha and one's own being, one can find peace and strength to face challenges.

What role does humor play in Suzuki's teachings?

• Light-hearted approach: Suzuki often uses humor to convey his teachings, making them more relatable and less intimidating.
• Laughing at oneself: He encourages students to laugh at themselves and their practice, recognizing the absurdity of taking oneself too seriously.
• Humor as enlightenment: Humor is seen as a form of enlightenment, allowing one to see the world with fresh eyes and a light heart.
• Breaking down barriers: By using humor, Suzuki breaks down barriers between teacher and student, creating a more open and accessible learning environment.

How does Suzuki describe the relationship between teacher and student in Zen practice?

• Mutual respect and trust: The relationship is based on mutual respect and trust, with the student choosing the teacher and the teacher accepting the student.
• Learning through example: Students learn not just through verbal instruction but by observing and emulating the teacher's actions and character.
• Egolessness in practice: Both teacher and student practice egolessness, focusing on the practice itself rather than personal gain or recognition.
• Continuous learning: The relationship is dynamic, with both teacher and student continuously learning and growing together.

What editing process did Edward Espe Brown follow for "Not Always So"?

• Preserving Suzuki's voice: Brown aimed to preserve Suzuki Roshi's unique voice and style while making the lectures clear and readable.
• Minimal changes: Initial edits involved removing filler words and repetitions, followed by tightening the structure of the talks.
• Collaborative effort: Brown worked closely with Sojun Mel Weitsman and others to ensure the integrity of the teachings was maintained.
• Balancing clarity and authenticity: The goal was to balance clarity and readability with authenticity, allowing Suzuki's teachings to shine through.