Shoshin: The Art of Keeping a Beginner's Mind
Jim Donelson (jcdonelson)
Keywords: shoshin, zen, learning, beginner, mind, photography, jcdonelson
Shoshin (初心) is a Japanese phrase in Zen Buddhism, from 初 sho “beginning stages”and 心 shin,“heart”. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness to learning, and lack of preconceptions when starting an endeavor, even when studying at an advanced level, just as a beginner in that subject would.
Although the concept is surely more complex than it looks to us occidentals, the goal is not to lose the limitless meaning of “original mind”, an empty and ready mind. That includes treating every sunrise as if it was the first, for example.
After the Fire
Nikon D500, 18 300mm f/3.5 6.3G ED VR DX @ 80mm, f/8, 1/350s, ISO 200
Click for an enlargement
My purpose for writing this article is that I have noticed both in myself and others in photography, that we seem to lose the beginners state of mind too quickly, and become hardened and set in our ways to our own detriment.
It seems we need to at least project an image of “seasoned expert” or perhaps “advanced/intermediate”, which is no doubt brought on by the social and commercial aspects of this field. As we develop knowledge and skills, our minds become more closed to new ideas. We tend to hold on to things we have learned, only to proven solutions, and not truly open to new ideas.
Flower
Nikon D500, Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 D Macro @ f/8, 1/180s, ISO 800
Click for an enlargement
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6 comments
User on March 14, 2018
This fits right in with the Japanese concepts of wabi sabi and kintsugi. When I am in the field photographing, one of my goals is to be as present and as open as possible. The more that I am able to do this, the more I receive incredible gifts.
John Hernlund (Tokyo_John) on February 12, 2018
Nice piece about Shoshin and ver embracing an open mind to continue learning. This is true for me in every aspect of life, from being a father, a husband, a teacher, a scientist, a philosopher, an artist, etc.. The Western way is to distinguish oneself from the world around us, to become special in some way and obtain recognition. But the Eastern way is to lose one's sense of self and thereby seek enlightenment. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but we can all learn from the teachings of great masters from every corner of the world.
John D. Roach (jdroach) on February 11, 2018
I like your article Jim and it has real food for thought. However, from my perspective, it is next to impossible to rekindle the awe of first beginnings of seeing that you suggest and may not even be desirable. Rather, I believe we must continue to stoke our willingness to see in new ways coupled with a strong desire to learn and be open to new possibilities but still influenced by what we have learned along the way. That seeing in new ways is always based by what we have learned from those first moments of seeing. Therefore, in my opinion, we must be open and receptive to reshaping how we have been influence. It is a question of fine tuning, adjusting and stepping back to rethink what it is we are doing. We can never start again, but we can revisit that which stirred us and has kept us moving forward. That is the mark of true growth and it is powerful for it is the very evolution of our being human and own to our art.
David Summers (dm1dave) on February 10, 2018
Nice article, thank you Jim!
John A. Meiers (Dakotaboy) on February 8, 2018
Nice article. Plan on checking out those books you mentioned Rick.
Rick P (s2sailorlis_nikon) on February 8, 2018
Two great books that focus on the "zen" of photography are: Freeman Patterson's Photography and the Art of Seeing, and Galen Rowell's book, The Inner Game of Outdoor Photography.