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Magazine Special SectionTeachings

What Is Enlightenment?

By Tricycle

Spring 1997

whatisenlightenment1

SHUNRYU SUZUKI ROSHI (1904-1971), founder of Zen Center San Francisco and author of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, was known to discourage questions about enlightenment. Once, when pressed on the subject, he replied,

What do you want to know for? You may not like it. —Suzuki Roshi

The characters for "beginner's mind" in calligraphy by Suzuki Roshi, courtesy of Weatherhill Inc. — The characters for “beginner’s mind” in calligraphy by Suzuki Roshi, courtesy of Weatherhill Inc.

Tricycle is the leading independent journal of Buddhism in the West, where it continues to be the most inclusive and widely read vehicle for the dissemination of Buddhist views and values. By remaining unaffiliated with any particular teacher, sect, or lineage, Tricycle provides a public forum for exploring Buddhism and its dialogue with the broader culture.