In Buddhism, beginner’s mind (often called shoshin in Zen practice) refers to an attitude of openness, curiosity, and lack of preconceptions when approaching any experience, even if it’s something familiar. The term is closely associated with Zen Buddhism and was popularized by Shunryu Suzuki in his book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.
The concept emphasizes approaching life with the mindset of a beginner — one who is free from arrogance, assumptions, or rigid expectations. This state of mind is considered ideal for learning, spiritual growth, and remaining fully present in the moment.
Suzuki famously wrote:
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
By cultivating a beginner’s mind, practitioners aim to stay open to new insights, embrace uncertainty, and avoid the trap of believing they already have all the answers. It’s a reminder that true wisdom often comes from humility and fresh observation.
As a millennial researching; I find I don't blame boomers. However I do believe your generations politics is the last of its kind. We can not follow you like you told us we could. We just can't. You didn't have the technology, science, understanding and advancements that is the new world. Therefore we feel let down because we thought if we did what you told us we would be on the right path. But indeed that path is no longer. However it isn't your fault for not knowing what you could not have known.
I’m Xennial, and in my experience, the people who complain the most about boomers have the least to complain about. I know some argue that Boomers are to blame for Reagan winning in the first place (and every Republican after that). How do you respond to that?
Indeed, we are being fucked, but we can make it a quickie if we start strong opposition! Boycott, strike, and marches, before they become punishable by death!
as Bill and Ted would say: "most excellent" blogpost, Mr. P. !! I concur with every point you've made here. ❤️
well said Brett, that’s what my 16 year old son, i’m 71, says about me to his friends, “my pops is seasoned”
Sounds like you have a pretty hip son!
hip kid and a great teacher, i'm learning a lot about love, so much i never knew that i didn't know.
In Buddhism, beginner’s mind (often called shoshin in Zen practice) refers to an attitude of openness, curiosity, and lack of preconceptions when approaching any experience, even if it’s something familiar. The term is closely associated with Zen Buddhism and was popularized by Shunryu Suzuki in his book Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.
The concept emphasizes approaching life with the mindset of a beginner — one who is free from arrogance, assumptions, or rigid expectations. This state of mind is considered ideal for learning, spiritual growth, and remaining fully present in the moment.
Suzuki famously wrote:
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
By cultivating a beginner’s mind, practitioners aim to stay open to new insights, embrace uncertainty, and avoid the trap of believing they already have all the answers. It’s a reminder that true wisdom often comes from humility and fresh observation.
i have kept Suzuki’s book that you mention for almost 40 years.
As a millennial researching; I find I don't blame boomers. However I do believe your generations politics is the last of its kind. We can not follow you like you told us we could. We just can't. You didn't have the technology, science, understanding and advancements that is the new world. Therefore we feel let down because we thought if we did what you told us we would be on the right path. But indeed that path is no longer. However it isn't your fault for not knowing what you could not have known.
I’m Xennial, and in my experience, the people who complain the most about boomers have the least to complain about. I know some argue that Boomers are to blame for Reagan winning in the first place (and every Republican after that). How do you respond to that?
Excellent article. The truth. Thank you. Btw. I'm 75.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0E4W-yH5RHk&t=28s
Indeed, we are being fucked, but we can make it a quickie if we start strong opposition! Boycott, strike, and marches, before they become punishable by death!
All good points! Were you inspired by my Boomer article a few weeks back? I think mine and yours make a great matched set.
Beautiful
Thanks for this.