I discovered that it is necessary, absolutely necessary, to believe in nothing. That is, we have to believe in something which has no form and no color, something which exists before all forms and colors appear. That is a very important point. No matter what god or doctrine you believe in, if you become attached to it, your belief will be based more or less on a self-centered idea. You strive for a perfect faith in order to protect yourself.

Shunryu Suzuki

from the book Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind

Read a random quote or see all quotes by Shunryu Suzuki.

Further quotes from the book Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind:

• The quality of zazen will express itself
• Wisdom seeking wisdom
• Calmness in activity
• Empty and ready mind
• The teaching of transiency
• Opening up our small mind
• The awareness that you are here
• Weed
• Nothing outside yourself can cause any trouble
• Accepting change
• Do not be bothered by anything
• The weeds you have in your mind
• Little by little
• Just to live
• Open to all the possibilities
• Your last moment
• The posture itself
• Beginner’s mind
• Spacious control