Start from Scratch

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few," said the Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki.

In Zen, beginner's mind is the ideal state. It is a mind that has no preconceptions about the world, one that is open and eager to learn. Even someone who has studied Zen for many years tries to retain this attitude of receptivity. A beginner doesn't have to unlearn anything. With no preconceptions, she can approach the world with the freshness of a child.

Perhaps Jesus meant something similar when he said, "Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." In both Christianity and Buddhism, we are reminded that humility and openness are essential for those on a spiritual path.