Ian Joslin

Period 4 ERWC

15 March 2017

Book Letter

Dear Olivia,

I have just read Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki, and am now rereading it.

Many of us know what are own mind is, but what is our Zen mind? This book goes into the

meaning of practicing Zazen and how it is important to always keep a beginner's mind. For

instance, a beginner's mind is the open mind. It includes possibility and doubt. It sees things

fresh and new. This mind is needed in all aspects of life and it is this mind that is the Zen mind.

This book brings the teachings of the East and presents them to the West in an informal

relatable way. It is about religion, discipline, it's about the posture, and the breathing. It shows

the meaning behind non-duality, emptiness, and enlightenment. This is the best introduction to

the teachings of Zazen for someone living in western society. You first see the teachings as

different and obscure but as you read find out they are simple and are filled with common

sense. Zazen is ordinary therefore ordinary life is enlightened. You would love it and find it

relatable. It will open your mind and will make you think different about living.