Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘Whatever practice you do, the point is to practice your way without expecting anything, you know. Just to be yourself you practice zazen. So even though you count [breathing]– even though you cannot do it properly, you should not be worried about it. Just do it. That is our way, you know. Even though your posture is not perfect, it is all right as long as you are practicing hard. You should not criticize your practice. Even though I recommend you some particular way, it does not mean if you cannot do that that is not zazen. Even though you can do it almost perfect, you know, it does not mean that is– it is not always true zazen. When you are involved in– when you limit the true meaning of zazen, or when you become critical with your zazen, or when you are proud of your good practice, that is not true zazen. Do you understand?

The way I recommend you is– I do not recommend it as the best way, you know. To put some strength in your hara is– means to take natural, deep breathing and to have calm mind. To be concentrated on your breathing or counting of breathing means– does not mean if you are just concentrated on your breathing I don’t mind your posture or your mind– your wandering mind. You see? The point I– you concentrated on will be different, but the various instruction should be followed. Do you understand?’ (from the Suzuki Roshi Archive)