Zen Is Right Here

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123 - words

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My wife and I were agonizing about whether to continue to practice at Tassajara or to leave and raise a family. We decided to talk to Suzuki Roshi about it. He listened to us for a while and then abruptly picked up a brush and ink and wrote five words rapidly on a sheet of paper. I was shocked by his vehemence, and when he handed me the paper, the message struck me like a blow from his stick. Without further discussion we decided to remain at Tassajara.

Do not say too late

May 14 1969

Rev Suzuki

p.126. Dan Welch, Tassajara, 1969.