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Message |
| Posted By: |
Yogini |
| Date: |
29-Dec-2004-12:00:31 |
| Subject: |
Beginner's Mind |
The following is an excerpt from Shunryn Suzuki's "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind."
"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.
"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 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."
I realize that some ex-Rama and current Rama students have reached a high level of attainment. They might truly even be enlightened. But what I don't understand is why they feel that they are at such an advanced level that they don't need further understanding. If they are truly enlightened, they should realize that they can never know it all. Eternity is eternal and every changing. It is not something you can attain all at once. I believe it is an ongoing process. I think it is self defeating to think that you are beyond learning further truths. You are just deluding yourself and it is a real hindrance to self discovery. So, we should all think like a beginner: open to new insights and humble enough to know you don't know it all.
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