Knowing and Not Knowing In Mindfulness Practice

Mindfulness practice involves an interplay between knowing and not-knowing. We often emphasize knowing and seeing deeply into our lived experience. However, just as our capacity to know can be developed, so can we cultivate a wise practice of not-knowing. In Zen they talk about the beginner's mind. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when engaging in life activities just as a beginner would. With the practice of mindfulness we are invited to enter the mystery of life and discover what's true from direct experience in the present moment.  Through a beginner's mind we learn to see one another mindfully, free from views. Without views, we listen more deeply and see more clearly. But lest we take the not-knowing practice too far, Suzuki Roshi said, “Not-knowing does not mean you don’t know.” It doesn’t require us to forget everything we have known or to suspend all interpretations of a situation. Not-knowing means not being limited by what we know, holding what we know lightly so that we are ready for it to be different. Maybe things are this way. But maybe they are not.

 

Listen to this podcast to receive support for this practice of knowing and not-knowing and learn more about what the benefits are of doing so. It includes silent and guided meditation, a Dharma talk, and discussion.