Here is a Zen concept that I don't understand fully.
When looking for books on Zen, Shunryu Suzuki's Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind is likely to make an appearance. It's a lovely short book that I've read a couple of times, with very elegant writing. Despite this, I find that I struggle to understand what it was really about. When I think of Zen, I think of Zen practice, Zen ethics, Zen wisdom, but Zen mind doesn't spring to mine.
The book describes the significance of many Zen practices, particularly in Suzuki's Soto Zen lineage. The core message seems to be that having a "beginner's mind" is crucial to the Zen path. Let me explain my personal (and limited) understanding of beginner's mind:
When one is a beginner in some subject, their mind is open and curious to learn whatever they can. In contrast, an expert has lots of fixed ideas and concepts in their mind, and may struggle with new ways of understanding. It follows that, in one's Zen practice, it is ideal to nourish the beginner's mind to remain free from the constricting views of the expert. This means to practice letting go of what one may think is "right", in favour of searching for what is true.
"Is that all?" I find myself asking. Endeavouring to keep your mind fresh and curious is certainly an excellent practice, but also nothing revolutionary to me. Typical of Buddhist teachings, there are plenty of overlapping ideas about similar things like letting go of views (e.g. Right View). I find that my understanding feels quite shallow in this way, and that I expect the teaching to have some deeper meaning to it. So what is the special significance of beginner's mind as a Zen teaching?
Next week, I will be starting my life at Being Peace. I hope that through this experience, I can embody my beginner's mind fully. Perhaps it is best that I don't feel that I understand this concept, as my mind already feels wonderfully open to try this new way of life, and to share it with you.