The basic idea of Zen is to ...

The basic idea of Zen is to come in touch with the inner workings of our being, and to do this in the most direct way possible, without resorting to anything external or superadded. Therefore, anything that has the semblance of an external authority is rejected by Zen. Absolute faith is placed in a man's own inner being. For whatever authority there is in Zen, all comes from within.
 See image
 D.T. Suzuki

Quotes from the same author

The fighter is to be always single-minded with one object in view: to fight, looking neither backward nor sidewise. To go straight forward in order to crush the enemy is all that is necessary for him.
 See image
 D.T. Suzuki
We can see unmistakeably that there is an inner relationship between Zen and the warrior's life.
 See image
 D.T. Suzuki
Eternity is the Absolute present.
 See image
 D.T. Suzuki
Copying is slavery. The letter must never be followed, only the spirit is to be grasped. Higher affirmations live in the spirit. And where is the spirit? Seek it in your everyday experience, and therein lies abundance of proof for all you need.
 See image
 D.T. Suzuki
Zen has nothing to teach us in the way of intellectual analysis; nor has it any set doctrines which are imposed on its followers for acceptance.
 See image
 D.T. Suzuki