The concept of "nomind" is central to Zen from "summary" of The Way of Zen by Alan Watts
The concept of "nomind" is central to Zen. In Zen, the mind is seen as a barrier to experiencing reality as it truly is. The Zen practitioner seeks to go beyond the limitations of the thinking mind in order to achieve a direct experience of the world. This state of "nomind" is not one of emptiness or nothingness, but rather a state of pure awareness. In the practice of meditation, the goal is to quiet the chatter of the mind and enter into a state of deep presence. This state of presence allows the practitioner to see things as they are, without the distortions of the ego or the judgments of the thinking mind. It is a state of pure perception, free from the filters of past experiences or future expectations. The idea of "nomind" can be challenging for Westerners, who are used to valuing the intellect and the rational mind. However, in Zen, the mind is not seen as the ultimate source of wisdom. Instead, true insight comes from a direct experience of reality, unmediated by the conceptual mind. This concept of "nomind" is not about rejecting the mind or trying to suppress thoughts. It is about transcending the limitations of the thinking mind in order to access a deeper level of awareness. By quieting the mind and letting go of attachments to thoughts and ideas, the practitioner can open themselves up to a more profound experience of reality. In Zen, the practice of meditation is a way to cultivate this state of "nomind." Through meditation, the practitioner learns to let go of the discursive thinking that usually dominates our consciousness. By sitting in silence and stillness, the practitioner can begin to access a deeper level of awareness that transcends the limitations of the thinking mind.- The goal of Zen practice is to cultivate a state of "nomind" that can be carried into everyday life. By learning to quiet the mind and access a deeper level of awareness, the practitioner can experience reality in a more direct and immediate way. This state of "nomind" is not a rejection of the mind, but rather a transcendence of its limitations in order to access a more profound level of insight and understanding.
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