#876

Mentioned in 26 episodes

Zen mind, beginner's mind

Book • 1970

Shunryū Suzuki

In 'Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind', Shunryu Suzuki explores the core principles of Zen Buddhism, focusing on the concept of 'shoshin' or 'beginner’s mind'.

This mind is empty, free of the habits of the expert, and open to all possibilities.

The book discusses various aspects of Zen practice, including zazen (sitting meditation), breathing techniques, and the importance of maintaining a non-dualistic and compassionate mindset.

Suzuki uses simple language and everyday examples to illustrate how to apply Zen principles in daily life, emphasizing the need to approach each experience with freshness and openness, rather than preconceptions or a sense of achievement.

Mentioned by

David Friedberg

Robert Waldinger

Valerie Forstman

Jane Hirshfield

Mentioned in 26 episodes

Mentioned by

David Sparks

as a book he reread after 40 years.

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Mentioned by

Forrest Hanson

as a source of wisdom on maintaining a beginner's mind.

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Mentioned by

Clay Skipper

when discussing the importance of effort over results.

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Mentioned by

William Green

as a book that impacted Howard Marks' life.

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Mentioned by

George Mumford

as a book that helped him understand mindfulness and meditation.

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Mentioned by

William Green

, quoting his statement that everything changes is the basic truth of existence.

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Mentioned by

William Green

as a book emphasizing the Buddhist teaching of impermanence and its importance in life.

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Mentioned by

David Friedberg

as his favorite book, which he has read 50 times.

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Mentioned by

David Nichtern

in the context of Beginner's Mind.

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Mentioned by

Kevin Rose

in the context of Zen Buddhism and the concept of satori moments.

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Mentioned by

Pico Iyer

, quoting a sentence from his book "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind"

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Mentioned by

Robert Waldinger

when discussing beginner's mind and openness to new experiences.

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Mentioned by

Jack Kornfield

while discussing a book about Suzuki Roshi and his teachings.

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Mentioned by

Valerie Forstman

as a book that resonated with her musician's spirit and mentality.

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Mentioned by

William Green

in the context of approaching situations with an open mind.

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Recommended by

Leo Babauta

as an introductory book to Zen Buddhism, although he notes it can be initially confusing.

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Mentioned by

Jorge Arango

in relation to the concept of beginner's mind in Buddhism.

Vermeld door

Tommy Wieringa

in relatie tot de zen-traditie en het belang van altijd opnieuw beginnen met een beginnersmentaliteit.

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Mentioned in the introduction as one of the two most influential books on Zen in the West.

Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind ~ Shunryu Suzuki Roshi

Mentioned by

Jane Hirshfield

in reference to her Zen practice and its influence on her poetry.

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