Shunryu Suzuki
Sōtō Zen · 1904–1971
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
Shunryu Suzuki was a Japanese Sōtō Zen master who came to San Francisco in 1959 and, almost by accident, became one of the most important figures in Western Zen. He founded the San Francisco Zen Center and Tassajara, the first Zen monastery outside Asia.
His teaching was famously gentle and grounded. He did not seek to impress or overwhelm. He simply sat, and invited others to sit with him.
His only book, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, is the most widely read introduction to Zen in the English language.
Key teachings
Beginner’s Mind
Shoshin. Approaching practice — and life — with openness, eagerness, and no preconceptions.
Nothing Special
Enlightenment is not dramatic. It is this ordinary mind, right now, nothing added.
Just Sitting
Following Dōgen’s shikantaza. No technique, no goal. The act of sitting is complete in itself.
Notable works
Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
The most widely read introduction to Zen. Simple, direct, inexhaustible.
Not Always So
Posthumous collection of dharma talks. Deeper, more personal, equally luminous.
One teaching like this each morning — and Mu, a companion who remembers your path.
Get Mushin · free