Student C: Would you explain to us again what you mean by the beginner’s mind.
Suzuki: Beginner’s mind is, you know, when you started, just started your study, you have no prejudice, you know -- no preconceived idea. You don’t know anything about Buddhism. And you open your whole mind to the Buddhism. That is beginner’s mind. After you study our way, you feel as if you understood Buddhism, and as if you attained something special. That is quite usual. But at that time you just lose your beginner’s mind. So, even though you study Buddhism, you should like to study more. And your study is not good enough. Then what you study is Buddhism. Do you understand? That is beginner’s mind. And that beginner’s mind is also big mind. Is my answer is acceptable? --------------------------- Excerpt from Shunryu Suzuki lecture - 68-07-23 - as found on shunryusuzuki.com, from one of the newly discovered (2021) lecture tapes. Edited by DC - Going through Suzuki lectures and posting anything that can stand on its own. Not looking for zingers or "the best of." I find that following these excerpts daily provides another way to experience Suzuki's teaching. Go to https://www.instagram.com/cuke_archives/ for more daily Shunryu Suzuki lecture excerpts - with a photo
DC: He shows a little beginners mind at the end by asking if his answer is acceptable.
