For Zen students, a weed is a treasure.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
If your mind is empty, it is ready for anything. In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.
Interpretation
What this quote means
An open mind allows for new ideas and possibilities, while a closed mind limits potential.
This quote emphasizes the value of having a beginner's mindset, which is characterized by openness and eagerness to learn. When one approaches situations without preconceived notions or biases, they become more receptive to new experiences and insights, fostering creativity and growth. In contrast, an expert may become rigid in their thinking, narrowing their view and limiting the potential for innovative solutions.
Themes
Beginner'S MindPossibilitiesOpennessLearningExpertise
In practice
Example use cases
In a meditation class, this quote can inspire students to let go of their expectations.
More from Shunryu Suzuki
All quotes βIf you take pride in your attainment or become discouraged because of your idealistic effort, your practice will confine you by a thick wall.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
As long as you seek for something, you will get the shadow of reality and not reality itself.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
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.
Shunryu SuzukiRead
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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