Beginner Vs Expert

We are all beginners at some point in our lives, just as we are all experts at certain things, things we have practiced countless times until we have become proficient.

We may feel clumsy, as a beginner. We may find the path difficult and feel the urge to give up and often we do not even realise how far we have come until occasion makes us look back, take stock or even teach someone else.

There is the claim that there are no ‘experts’ on anything, as no-one knows all there is to know about anything, in fact no-one knows truly how much there is to know, about anything.

In this way, the ‘expert’ has reached a point whereby trial and error, experience, practice and dedication they have honed their knowledge to fit the purpose.

The beginner starts from nothing, the point where all possibilities are in front of them and they are learning which to take; the ‘expert’ knows which to take and can discard all others.

Both positions have their positives. The beginner is in the stage where everything they learn is fresh and new and they can see all sides, the ‘expert’ has been through their trials and has arrived at a point of satisfaction.

For example, a person starting driving lessons will be taught all the essential driving techniques as well as the theory and safety. They are in the privileged position of having no prior experience so their minds are free of the fetters which experience can often bring.

The ‘expert’ knows driving like the back of their hand and this can be a great advantage to driving, but it can also narrow their vision and make them miss ideas that the beginner can see clearly.

In Zen, we are both the beginner and ‘expert’. We do not analyse our practice and we try to keep a self which is clear of mind and form. We feel and know the positives of having practiced for a long time, but both the beginner and the ‘expert’ are Buddhas. We are the same.