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Let go of attachment to outcomes from "summary" of Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
When we practice Zen, we should not be attached to the idea of achieving a particular outcome. This means that we should not be fixated on a specific result or goal. Instead, we should focus on the present moment and the process of our practice. When we are too attached to outcomes, we create unnecessary suffering for ourselves. We become anxious and stressed about whether we will succeed or fail. This attachment can cloud our judgment and prevent us from fully experiencing the present moment. In Zen practice, we learn to let go of our attachment to outcomes by simply being present with whatever is happening. We observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing them to come and go like clouds passing in the sky. By cultivating this attitude of non-attachment, we can free ourselves from the endless cycle of desire and aversion. We can learn to accept whatever arises with equanimity, knowing that all things are impermanent and subject to change. When we let go of our attachment to outcomes, we open ourselves up to the possibility of true freedom and liberation. We no longer cling to our expectations and preferences, but instead embrace whatever comes our way with an open heart and mind. This does not mean that we become passive or indifferent to the world around us. Rather, it means that we engage with life more fully and authentically, without being bound by our desires and fears. In Zen practice, we cultivate a sense of radical acceptance and surrender to the present moment. We let go of our need to control or manipulate the outcome of our actions, trusting in the natural unfolding of reality. This does not mean that we abandon our goals or aspirations. Rather, it means that we approach them with a sense of openness and flexibility, knowing that the outcome is ultimately beyond our control.- We can experience a deeper sense of peace and contentment in our lives. We can learn to appreciate the beauty and richness of each moment, without getting caught up in our expectations and desires. This is the essence of Zen practice – letting go of attachment and embracing the fullness of life as it is.
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