For Zen students, a weed is a treasure.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
In Japan we have the phrase, "Shoshin," which means "beginner's mind." Our "original mind" includes everything within itself. It is always rich and sufficient within itself. This does not mean a closed mind, but actually an empty mind and a ready mind. If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything. It is open to everything. In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The concept of 'beginner's mind' emphasizes openness and readiness for new experiences, allowing for greater possibilities.
Shunryu Suzuki's quote highlights the importance of maintaining a 'beginner's mind'—a perspective characterized by openness, eagerness, and a lack of preconceived notions. It contrasts this mindset with that of an expert, suggesting that while experts may have valuable knowledge, they often limit themselves to familiar patterns and possibilities. An empty and open mind, as described in this philosophy, is more flexible and prepared to embrace new ideas and experiences, fostering creativity and growth.
Themes
Beginner'S MindOpennessPossibilityWisdomCreativityLearning
In practice
Example use cases
During a meditation session, the instructor emphasized the importance of maintaining a beginner's mind to fully appreciate the experience.
More from Shunryu Suzuki
All quotes →If you take pride in your attainment or become discouraged because of your idealistic effort, your practice will confine you by a thick wall.
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As long as you seek for something, you will get the shadow of reality and not reality itself.
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No teaching could be more direct than just to sit down.
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Everything is perfect, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
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When you do not realize that you are one with the river, or one with the universe, you have fear. Whether it is separated into drops or not, water is water. Our life and death are the same thing. When we realize this fact, we have no fear of death anymore.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
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