Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind
An insightful guide to Zen meditation and maintaining an open, ‘beginner’s mind’.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- The concept of ‘Beginner’s Mind’
- Posture and breathing in meditation
- Mindfulness and awareness practices
- Letting go of dualistic thinking
- Understanding the essence of Zen
- The practice of ‘right effort’
- Embracing imperfection in the practice
key point 1 of 7
The concept of ‘Beginner’s Mind’
In the concept of ‘Beginner’s Mind’, one is urged to approach every situation, no matter how mundane or familiar, with the curiosity and openness of someone who is encountering it for the first time. This is not merely a state of mind, but an attitude that can be cultivated and applied to every aspect of our lives. The beginner’s mind sees infinite possibilities, while the expert’s mind sees few. This perspective encourages us to stay open and flexible in our thoughts and actions, rather than becoming rigid and set in our ways…Read&Listen More
key point 2 of 7
Posture and breathing in meditation
In meditation, the posture assumed is one of great significance. It is advised to sit upright, maintaining a position that is neither too lax nor excessively rigid. The practitioner should be comfortably alert, allowing the spine to extend naturally without strain. The legs can be crossed in the traditional lotus or half-lotus position, or simply folded beneath the body. Stability is key, thus, it is important to find a posture that allows the body to remain still and grounded. The hands rest in the lap, forming an oval that promotes a sense of wholeness and connection…Read&Listen More
key point 3 of 7
Mindfulness and awareness practices
Mindfulness and awareness are core concepts in Zen practice, serving as the foundation towards achieving a Zen mind and beginner’s mind. Mindfulness is about maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. It involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings without judging them—without believing, for instance, that there’s a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to think or feel in a given moment. This nonjudgmental observation allows us to fully engage in the current experience and creates space for insight and understanding…Read&Listen More
key point 4 of 7
Letting go of dualistic thinking
In the book, the idea of letting go of dualistic thinking is deeply rooted in Zen philosophy. Dualistic thinking refers to the tendency of the human mind to perceive and categorize things in pairs of opposites like good and bad, right and wrong, love and hate, etc. This perspective often limits our understanding and perception of the world around us, binding us to a myopic view of reality…Read&Listen More
key point 5 of 7
Understanding the essence of Zen
Zen is often viewed as a philosophy that encourages us to experience life fully, void of judgment and preconceptions. Its essence can be found in the simple act of being present in the here and now. Zen emphasizes on the state of mind, the state of being a ‘beginner’. This ‘beginner’s mind’, as expressed in the book, is an approach to life that embodies openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions – much like a beginner who approaches any subject with fresh eyes, willing to learn and absorb without prior judgment or biases…Read&Listen More
key point 6 of 7
The practice of ‘right effort’
The practice of ‘right effort’ is a fundamental concept in Zen philosophy and can be understood as a balance between trying too hard and not trying hard enough. It is the effort to continuously bring awareness and attention back to the present moment. It’s not about striving for perfection or achieving certain goals, but about constantly engaging with our experiences as they arise, without judgment or avoidance…Read&Listen More
key point 7 of 7
Embracing imperfection in the practice
In the perspective of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind, embracing imperfection is seen as an integral part of practice. The concept places a central focus on acceptance and mindfulness, suggesting that one should not strive to be perfect, rather, embrace the imperfections as they are a part of our existence. This approach helps us to focus on the present and accept things as they come, without resistance or judgment…Read&Listen More