D.T. Suzuki is one of those people. Suzuki was one of the most prominent Zen Buddhist teachers that brought Zen philosophy to people in the west who were struggling to find meaning in life.
Below we go over some of his most potent lessons on living a fulfilling, happy and successful life.
1) Exposure to nature is crucial for the soul
Suzuki makes a great point here. As our society has become technologically advanced, we’ve at the same time lost touch with nature, which only serves to negatively impact our spiritual health.
2) The here and now is what’s important
“The idea of Zen is to catch life as it flows. There is nothing extraordinary or mysterious about Zen. I raise my hand ; I take a book from the other side of the desk ; I hear the boys playing ball outside my window; I see the clouds blown away beyond the neighboring wood: — in all these I am practicing Zen, I am living Zen. No wordy discussions is necessary, nor any explanation. I do not know why — and there is no need of explaining, but when the sun rises the whole world dances with joy and everybody’s heart is filled with bliss. If Zen is at all conceivable, it must be taken hold of here.” – D.T. Suzuki
3) Get to know yourself
Understanding who you are and what you desire in life is crucially important if you want to find fulfilment. Suzuki says that we need to understand our own mind’s nature in order to do this.
How do we do that?
One of the best ways to uncover who you truly are is through meditation. With meditation, you learn to become an observer of your mind.
Read more on Hack Spirit
Below we go over some of his most potent lessons on living a fulfilling, happy and successful life.
1) Exposure to nature is crucial for the soul
Suzuki makes a great point here. As our society has become technologically advanced, we’ve at the same time lost touch with nature, which only serves to negatively impact our spiritual health.
2) The here and now is what’s important
“The idea of Zen is to catch life as it flows. There is nothing extraordinary or mysterious about Zen. I raise my hand ; I take a book from the other side of the desk ; I hear the boys playing ball outside my window; I see the clouds blown away beyond the neighboring wood: — in all these I am practicing Zen, I am living Zen. No wordy discussions is necessary, nor any explanation. I do not know why — and there is no need of explaining, but when the sun rises the whole world dances with joy and everybody’s heart is filled with bliss. If Zen is at all conceivable, it must be taken hold of here.” – D.T. Suzuki
3) Get to know yourself
Understanding who you are and what you desire in life is crucially important if you want to find fulfilment. Suzuki says that we need to understand our own mind’s nature in order to do this.
How do we do that?
One of the best ways to uncover who you truly are is through meditation. With meditation, you learn to become an observer of your mind.
Read more on Hack Spirit
