Wisdom
July 3, 2012 § 16 Comments
One of the most important texts in my life is Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki. This is a passage about mindfulness and wisdom taken from that book.
Just to see, and to be ready to see things with our whole mind, is zazen practice. If we are prepared for thinking, there is no need to make an effort to think. This is called mindfulness. Mindfulness is, at the same time, wisdom. By wisdom we do not mean some particular faculty or philosophy. It is the readiness of the mind that is wisdom.
only here only now 
Has been some time since I read Zen Mind Beginners Mind… but thank you for this, as will revisit my bookshelf ~ I aspire for mindfulness in most all I live ~ 🙂
A wonderful book indeed.
I just finished reading your post and the comments as well. I guess I have never studied too much of zen. Haven’t *studied* it at all. It has just been something I pick up from around here and there. Is this suzuki book one to start with?
Bethany, yes, I would suggest that you read Suzuki’s “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind.” A student gave me this book many, many years ago and I still carry it with me. Having read your work, I know that you’d feel a sense of resonance with Suzuki’s text. Tom
my two cents: would agree to start with the beginners is a very good place to start. cheers
Thank you Thomas (and pdlyons). I will check this one out.
Nice thoughts to contemplate. Thanks for the wisdom of your words.
Randy, thanks for taking the time to read and reply to my post.
One of my all-time favorite books — helped me change my perspective/relationship with pain & suffering.
I’ve carried Suzuki’s book with me for decades. What a treasure. Thanks for the read and reply.
ah suzuki – also wonderful work by him : Branching streams flow in the darkness (pub by university of california press) and, not always so (pub by harper.) Also found a little book equally impactfull – The Unfettered Mind, Writings from a Zen master to a Master Swordsman by takuan soho trans. by william scott wilson. anyway always glad to see suzuki continues to be appreciated. all the best -p
Thanks for the read and the reply. I’ll certainly seek out these other books by Suzuki, as well as The Unfettered Mind.
Zen mind truly changed the way I viewed myself and the world
Same for me.
Thanks for stopping by.
Mindfulness has been the heart of my therapy for over a year now and I cannot express how life altering it has been. It does not work each day, but I practice it regardless and am living proof of its positive impact on life.
Same here. Without mindfulness, I am lost.
Thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts.