In a 500 word essay, look at the following 4 key points from Shunryu Suzukis Beyond Consciousness and answer the question(s) posed. Does not have to be in APA format. Suzuki mentions in a number of places the importance of having an empty mind. Near the bottom of p. 167, he describes the problem most of us are probably familiar with of not knowing how to rest mentally or shut off our brains. It is one thing to pursue meditation for simple relaxation. But how does it make sense to say that empty mind is a path to enlightenment? A key passage occurs on the top right of p. 168, where Suzuki discusses the role of studying philosophy for the attainment of enlightenment. Would Suzuki agree with Plato that the study of philosophy will lead to an ascent of the soul? What does Suzuki say is the best way to be a sincere Buddhist? On the top of p. 169 Suzuki notes that some may attain enlightenment and some may not. This is a key paragraph. The issue, he says, is to practice seriously. Is it a problem in Suzukis view if most people do not attain enlightenment? Why or why not? Some key terms in the reading are big mind (pp. 169, 171) and beginners mind (p. 171). Focus on these sections and try to figure what Suzuki means by these terms and why they are important.
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