Spirituality

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: 6 key ideas

by Shunryu Suzuki

The core ideas of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Keep a beginner's mind

   In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.

   Stay curious and open, however long you've practised.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Just sit

   Zen meditation isn't about achieving a special state.

   Sitting with good posture and simple attention is already the practice.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   Let thoughts come and go

   Don't try to stop thinking.

   Leave the front and back doors open: let thoughts enter and leave without serving them tea.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Big mind

   Suzuki speaks of a 'big mind' that contains everything, beyond the small self that worries and compares.

   Practice widens the mind.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Everyday life is practice

   Zen isn't separate from cooking, cleaning or working.

   Bringing full attention to daily tasks is the training.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Everything changes

   Accepting that everything changes, including you, is the key to peace.

   Resisting change is what makes us suffer.