A Beginner's Mind
An important Zen teaching is about adopting a beginner’s mind. We’re born with a beginner’s mind but arrive in a world that values expertise and “knowing” over “not knowing.”
All I know is not all that can be known.
In a world dominated by expertise and mastery, the Zen concept of "beginner's mind" offers a refreshing perspective. Originating from Zen Buddhism, beginner's mind, or "shoshin" in Japanese, encourages individuals to approach life with openness, curiosity, and a lack of preconceptions, much like a beginner would.
That is counterintuitive in our culture. We hang on to our assumptions and biases like a life preserver. “Not knowing” is a terrifying state of mind for many people.
At its core, beginner's mind invites us to let go of our assumptions and biases, allowing us to experience each moment as if for the first time. In doing so, we free ourselves from the constraints of past experiences and expectations, opening the door to new possibilities and insights.
Have you ever practiced looking at something like you were seeing it for the first time? Have you ever listened to someone like you were hearing their ideas for the first time?
Imagine approaching a familiar task or situation with the mindset of a novice. Instead of relying on habitual patterns or preconceived notions, you observe with fresh eyes, fully immersing yourself in the present moment. This approach cultivates a sense of wonder and discovery, enabling us to see beyond the surface and uncover hidden truths.
In 2019, we saw the power of a beginner’s mind and a question. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a newly elected representative from New York, asked Michael Cohen, the former Trump lawyer, if Trump had ever inflated his assets. Cohen responded with a simple “Yes.” That question, and answer, led to the investigation, conviction, and a $450 million dollar fine which will go back to the people of New York. It was Ocasio-Cortez’s first hearing and undoubtedly she was seeing it through fresh eyes, unlike those “seasoned” representative who had been doing this for years.
In our fast-paced world, where expertise is often valued above all else, embracing a beginner's mind can be challenging. However, it is precisely in moments of uncertainty and ambiguity that this concept holds the most power. By letting go of the need to be an expert, we free ourselves to explore, learn, and grow.
Practicing a beginner's mind is not about rejecting knowledge or experience; rather, it is about maintaining a sense of humility and openness to continuous learning. As the Zen master Shunryu Suzuki famously said, "In the beginner's mind, there are many possibilities, but in the expert's, there are few."
Incorporating a beginner's mind into our daily lives can have profound effects on our personal and professional growth. By approaching challenges with humility and curiosity, we become more adaptable, creative, and resilient. Moreover, we foster deeper connections with others by truly listening and understanding their perspectives.
In essence, the beginner's mind invites us to embrace the journey of life with a sense of wonder and awe. It encourages us to approach each moment with an open heart and a curious mind, ready to explore the infinite possibilities that lie before us.
So, the next time you face a familiar task or situation, take a moment to pause and cultivate a beginner's mind. Let yourself let go of what you think you know and embrace the beauty of not knowing. Who knows what wonders await on the path of the beginner's mind?