Open Minds

Jonas · 08-28-2010, 03:26 PM

What good is an open mind?

Too many people claim to have an open mind. From my observation most of these people are not completely truthful in that statement.

An open mind left unattended for however length of time, is more susceptible to rot and infestation.

An open mind must be fed, must be nourished and must be expanded.

Feed Your Brain.

clive · 08-28-2010, 03:59 PM

An open mind is that what is not clouded by ones ego

**SageTree** · 08-28-2010, 09:42 PM

In Zen, this is classically called beginners mind.

hijabihippie · 08-29-2010, 07:09 AM

With a tip o' the hat to Shunryu Suzuki-roshi.

**SageTree** · 08-29-2010, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hijabihippie

With a tip o' the hat to Shunryu Suzuki-roshi.

haha HH!! He certainly popularized the term, but wouldn't say he invented it

Jonas · 08-29-2010, 11:37 AM

It really intrigues me how so many random moments, events and experiences in my life always draw me closer towards Zen philosophies. I really gotta start reading up more on this.

A beginner's mind is a really good way of describing it. New experiences to a beginner, there's almost infinite possibilities, infinite potentials. New experiences to an expert, there's a very limited range of response.

I really feel like once a person stops learning, stops engaging in new experiences, new sources of enlightenment, is when that person starts to get old, and starts to deteriorate, starts to die.

Also, thank you clive. I've never really thought of a clear definition of what an open mind really is, and you pretty much hit the nail right smack on the head.

The Rev · 08-29-2010, 12:29 PM

An open mind is an always questioning mind, not an always accepting mind.

The Rev

**SageTree** · 08-29-2010, 02:28 PM

The book that made the philosophy well known:
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind

And 2 stories to illustrate:

Quote:

Once, a long time ago, there was a wise Zen master. People from far and near would seek his counsel and ask for his wisdom. Many would come and ask him to teach them, enlighten them in the way of Zen. He seldom turned any away.

One day an important man, a man used to command and obedience came to visit the master. “I have come today to ask you to teach me about Zen. Open my mind to enlightenment.” The tone of the important man’s voice was one used to getting his own way.

The Zen master smiled and said that they should discuss the matter over a cup of tea. When the tea was served the master poured his visitor a cup. He poured and he poured and the tea rose to the rim and began to spill over the table and finally onto the robes of the wealthy man. Finally the visitor shouted, “Enough. You are spilling the tea all over. Can’t you see the cup is full?”

The master stopped pouring and smiled at his guest. “You are like this tea cup, so full that nothing more can be added. Come back to me when the cup is empty. Come back to me with an empty mind.”

Quote:

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era, received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.

Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. “It is overfull. No more will go in!”

Like this cup, Nan-in said, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?

Dunno, just thought I'd share these since I shared the book, which is great, btw and a good first read. Not too heady with terms but still gives you a taste of the rich and deep layers of Zen.

In kind,
SageTree

08-28-2010, 09:42 PM	#3 (permalink)
SageTree ~Kalyāṇa-mitrā~ Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: In Love Posts: 23,414 Blog Entries: 26 Thanks: 13,070 Thanked 6,768 Times in 4,664 Posts	In Zen, this is classically called beginners mind. __________________ "What's oppressive is letting your life be confined by old definitions of what everything is." -Zen Meister my_scatterheart YaHooka is.... Cannabis lovers from around the world pulling up a comfy chair, picking up a vaporizer, a bong, a brownie, a pipe, or a joint, getting high, stoned, buzzed or healthy. Uniting our minds in conversation...While Portraying a Positive Image of marijuana and marijuana users to the world. Treat your fellow YaHookans with kindness,respect and tolerance.

08-29-2010, 12:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
The Rev Clear Light Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: In my head, somewhere. Posts: 17,865 Thanks: 5,018 Thanked 5,420 Times in 2,865 Posts	An open mind is an always questioning mind, not an always accepting mind. The Rev __________________ Budforce - My Friend August 29, 1973- May 25, 2012

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08-29-2010, 07:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
hijabihippie YaHookan Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,481 Thanks: 1,152 Thanked 655 Times in 515 Posts	With a tip o' the hat to Shunryu Suzuki-roshi.

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