Dear Sangha,

This coming Wednesday, 8/12, is our monthly discussion of Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. We will be taking a closer look at the chapters on Naturalness (pg 107) and Emptiness (pg 111) found in Part 3 of the book.

If you have the time, please take a few moments to read the chapters in advance. They are fairly short but packed with insight. You can access the chapters online here: http://www.arvindguptatoys.com/arvindgupta/zenmind.pdf  (I’ll bring print-outs focus to look at Wed night.)

Below are some questions to consider in preparation for our discussion on Wed.

Naturalness

What does Suzuki mean by “heretical naturalness”? How is this a less skillful way of being in the world?

What does Suzuki mean by “naturalness”? Why do people —  but not plants and stones — have to make an effort to be natural?

What kind of effort do we need to make?

How does being natural arise from”being independent from everything” and having a soft, flexible mind?

Can you experience naturalness while doing an activity you find difficult?

What does Suzuki mean by the phrase:  when all you do comes out of nothingness, then you have everything

Can you think of some examples in your life when you experience a sense of naturalness?

Emptiness

What is the relationship between existence and emptiness in the Buddhist understanding of life?

What is the danger of holding on to an idea or hope about the future?

Since there is no certain way that exists permanently,  we each need to find our own way. To be truly independent like this, what are we required to do?

What is the best way to understand and help others? Why?

What does Suzuki mean by “absolute freedom is necessary before you can gain absolute freedom”?

What is Suzuki’s view of skillful concentration?