Shunryu Suzuki, the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center, was a Japanese Zen master who brought a unique perspective to the practice of Zen Buddhism. His teachings differed from traditional Zen Buddhism in several ways, making him a pioneer in the Western world.

One of the main differences in Suzuki's teachings was his emphasis on the importance of everyday life and mindfulness in the practice of Zen. While traditional Zen Buddhism often focused on strict meditation and detachment from the material world, Suzuki believed that Zen could be integrated into daily life. He encouraged his students to find enlightenment in the midst of ordinary activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and gardening.

Suzuki also had a more informal and approachable teaching style, which appealed to many Western students. He often used humor and everyday language to explain complex Zen concepts, making it more accessible to those unfamiliar with the practice. This was a departure from the traditional strict and formal teaching methods of Zen.

Another key difference in Suzuki's teachings was his emphasis on zazen, or seated meditation, as the foundation of Zen practice. While this is a fundamental aspect of traditional Zen Buddhism, Suzuki placed a strong emphasis on the importance of posture and breathing in zazen. He believed that through proper posture and breathing, one could achieve a state of calmness and clarity of mind.

Suzuki also emphasized the concept of "beginner's mind," which encourages students to approach Zen practice with a sense of openness and curiosity, rather than preconceived notions or expectations. This was a departure from the traditional hierarchical structure of Zen, where students were expected to follow the teachings of the master without question.

Moreover, Suzuki's teachings were influenced by his experiences in both Japan and the United States. He incorporated elements of Western psychology and philosophy into his teachings, making it more relatable to Western students. This cross-cultural approach to Zen was groundbreaking and helped to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western cultures.

In conclusion, Shunryu Suzuki's teachings differed from traditional Zen Buddhism in many ways, making it more accessible and relevant to Western students. His emphasis on mindfulness in daily life, informal teaching style, focus on zazen and posture, and incorporation of Western influences all contributed to his unique and influential approach to Zen practice.