Zen Monk Shunryu Suzuki says in his book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice, “Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine.”
The Zen rules are there to direct the path of men; you do not have to be a Zen monk before you can practice these simple life rules because it is accessible to everyone and practicable by making some simple practices part of your routine.
The whole essence of these rules is to help everyone live a more pleasing life with themselves and each other.
- Focus on one thing at a time.
- Do not rush into anything.
- Always finish one task before the next.
- Live in the moment.
- Create time for leisure.
- Do things with humility and expect no return.
- Create time for regular tasks.
- Take care of your body.
- Think very well before you act.
- Treat people the way you want to be treated.
