Nothing Special

Nibbling On Asian History & Philosophy Series

Source:

Shunryu Suzuki

From Book: Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind (Page 46)

Nothing Special “If you continue this simple practice every day, you will obtain some wonderful power. Before you attain it, it is something wonderful, but after you attain it, it is nothing special.”

Hermit Poet’s Comments:

Chasing after goals is a great way to accomplish many things. Moving your life forward and becoming successful at whatever your ambition is, will lead to a satisfying existence. The problem arises if we allow ego and pursuit of greatness to rule over our inner self. What happens if all disappears?

What is accomplishment?

If I pull weeds today, or make a bunch of money, or travel to a faraway exotic location, it is all the same. How the mind interprets the action is how I feel. Everything is nothing special.