A Quote on Returning and Forgetting

Our original mind includes everything within itself. It is always rich and sufficient within itself. You should not lose your self-sufficient state of mind. This does not mean a closed mind, but actually an empty mind and a ready mind. If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything; it is open to everything. In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities; in the expert's mind there are few.

- Shunryu Suzuki (1905-1971)
Courtesy of Daily Zen

First I'd like to comment about Daily Zen. This is a wonderful site that always helps set me in the right direction. A nice zen quote and then over to their meditation center; Zendo. Zendo lets you set a silent timer for your meditations that will gong when the time is up. It is the easiest way to make that 15 minute daily meditation a part of your routine.

This quote covers so much on my beliefs that I felt I must share it. I would also like to extrapolate on it more. Many people I meet are beginners with a mind closed. They feel they are trying to be experts in fields they aren't aware of. A closed mind surrounded by illusions is easily comparable to being locked in a cage surrounded by fog. You see nothing, react to nothing, and the world slowly disappears to only include that tiny box.

A child's mind, the sage's mind, is like standing atop the mountain. You gaze across the infinite with only the horizon as your limits. You are free to travel to those horizons and the heavens beyond.

Even if our creativity leads to failure, hurt pride will not kill you. Even if our curiosity frustrates, showing ignorance will not harm you. Even if our wisdom is not heard, having it will not weaken you.

Do not be afraid of being thought foolish;
Do not be afraid of being thought rebellious;
Do not be afraid of being you.

Ask every question, consider every choice, experience the world without fear. Remember that Nothing is perfect, so fill your mind with nothing.