Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘Student N: Docho Roshi, you have taught us that everything changes, and that we can rely on nothing. From one day to the next, then, we cannot be sure of a place to practice or a teacher. If this is so, how can we continue our practice forever?

SR: Wherever you go, you will find your teacher. The eyes you have right now, as long as you have your eyes, as long as you have ears to listen– so Dogen Zenji says the color of the mountains and sound of the rivers are Shakyamuni Buddha’s sermon. But you should be grateful for your teacher because he gave you– he opened up your eyes and ears to see and to listen. Then your teacher is always with you. And you can continue your practice forever.’ (from the Suzuki Roshi Archives)

Prompted by it being featured on the Cuke Instagram page recently, I have been listening to this shosan ceremony from the end of the third practice period at Tassajara, in April 1968, with Kim recently. This exchange has stayed with me.