Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
Shunryu Suzuki
22 people recommended it in 13 threads, 2014–2024.
What people on Hacker News said
I think what Persig is getting at is “non-judgmental observation”. The ability to look at things with no ego involved, like an absolute beginner — so that you’re mind is open to the solutions that naturally present themselves.
Zen mind beginner’s mind: Highly recommended to anyone interested in meditation. Helped me understand the non-goal aspect of the practice.
It has truly been life-altering in the deepest possible way. I've read other Zen books but that one by Suzuki is the one that started everything and it still holds a unique and very valuable place.
The reason it changed me? I like starting with a blank slate for new projects without relying on huge monolithic frameworks. Such a book is invaluable for software engineers.
If you like Alan Watts you might enjoy Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice from Shunryu Suzuki.
Where it comes up
- Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect? 2018 · 4 recommendations
- Ask HN: What's one book that changed your life? 2018 · 3 recommendations
- Ask HN: Are there any books that changed your life during college or school? 2022 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What book changed your life? 2022 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade? 2019 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: Books you read in 2015? 2015 · 2 recommendations
- Ask HN: What are the best books you've ever read? 2024 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What book have you re-read 3x or more? 2022 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Mind bending books to read and never be the same as before? 2020 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: 2018 Summer Reading List? 2018 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: Best books you've read in 2015 2015 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What are the most thought-provoking books that you have read? 2015 · 1 recommendation
- Ask HN: What Books Are You Reading? 2014 · 1 recommendation