Even though we are wearing these formal robes we can still know True Freedom.
Paraphrased from Not Always So, by Shunryu Suzuki Roshi.
While at San Francisco Zen Centre last week I had the great good fortune to offer incense and make bows to the memory of Shunryn Suzuki at his memorial shrine. He wrote Zen Mind Beginners Mind a book which brought many to Zen practice, including me. The opportunity to express gratitude was a gift in itself.
This book was also my first contact with Zen. It was given to me by a friend when I was in Minnesota as part of a clear out of “jumble” in 1980. The book was the only book that I took on the flight home. All the other books were lost as they were sent by sea. I am grateful to Suzuki for his kindness helping us all.
Thanks Richard. Seems a great many people came to Buddhism via this book. Too bad about the other books, lost at sea.