Beginner's Mind

The Zen Buddhism word Shoshin means 'beginner's mind', referring to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions. Practicing shoshin is letting go of preconceptions and adopting an attitude of openness when studying a subject. A true beginners mind is empty and open.

Beginner's mind refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions. It’s approaching life with an open, curious, and humble attitude, as if you're experiencing everything for the first time.

A ‘don’t know mind' is an open mind, a clear mind. Don’t know. Not sure. No fixed opinion. These are the qualities of a ‘don’t know mind'.

The author James Clear has put it well like this: "There is a danger that comes with expertise. We tend to block the information that disagrees with what we learned previously and yield to the information that confirms our current approach. We think we are learning, but in reality we are steamrolling through information and conversations, waiting until we hear something that matches up with our current philosophy or previous experience, and cherry-picking information to justify our current behaviors and beliefs. Most people don't want new information, they want validating information."

In the beginner's mind there is no thought, "I have attained something." All self‑centered thoughts limit our vast mind. When we have no thought of achievement, no thought of self, we are true beginners. Then we can really learn something. The beginner's mind is the mind of compassion. When our mind is compassionate, it is boundless. — Suzuki Roshi

So the most difficult thing is always to keep your beginner's mind. There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. Even though you read much Zen literature, you must read each sentence with a fresh mind.

You should not say, "I know what Zen is," or "I have attained enlightenment." This is also the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner. Be very very careful about this point. If you start to practice zazen, you will begin to appreciate your beginner's mind. It is the secret of Zen practice. — Suzuki Roshi

For Zen students the most important thing is not to be dualistic. Our "original mind" includes everything within itself. It is always rich and sufficient within itself. You should not lose your self‑sufficient state of mind. This does not mean a closed mind, but actually an empty mind and a ready mind. — Suzuki Rosh

Don't cling to your thoughts, feelings, or possessions. Letting go will help you find freedom and peace. Understand that things are not fixed or permanent. Our perceptions and ideas about them are not absolute. Embrace the present moment as it is, without judgment or resistance.

Cultivate gratitude for your life, experiences, and the people around you. Be patient with yourself and others, understanding that growth and change take time. Care for others and treat them with kindness, understanding, and respect.

See beyond the distinctions and labels we create, and recognize that everything is fundamentally connected and interdependent.

Recognise that everything and everyone is connected. And our actions have consequences that ripple through the world.

This is also the real secret of the arts: always be a beginner. — Suzuki Roshi

Adopt a beginner's mindset in the pursuit of mastery, particularly in the arts. A perspective like this nurtures a continuous state of learning and growth, regardless of our level of expertise.

The beginner's mindset is also about accepting imperfection. And understanding that mistakes are an essential part of the learning process. Accepting imperfection enables experimentation and risk taking in art which leads to growth and innovation.

A beginner's mindset also helps us sustain our passion and enthusiasm. It encourages constant exploration and curiosity, prevents burnout and ensures we remain engaged and excited about our work.

I discovered that it is necessary, absolutely necessary, to believe in nothing. That is, we have to believe in something which has no form and no color--something which exists before all forms and colors appear... No matter what god or doctrine you believe in, if you become attached to it, your belief will be based more or less on a self-centered idea. — Suzuki Rosh

Shunryū Suzuki - Wikipedia

The Enduring Teachings of Suzuki Roshi

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind Shunryu Suzuki (1905-1971)

Quotes by Shunryu Suzuki

Live creatively by trusting your intuition, following your passions and staying open to new experiences and possibilities. https://freemind.substack.com/