proverb

Do Not Imitate Your Teacher

Modern

Traditionally attributed

Text

Do not imitate your teacher's posture, voice, or favorite cup. Imitate his willingness to sit. The rest will fit your body in its own way.

tr. Zen Lineage editorial

license: cc_by

Attribution

Lineage: Sōtō

By Kobun Chino Otogawa

Sources

  • contentCrooked Cucumber: The Life and Zen Teaching of Shunryu Suzuki

    David Chadwick