Many people -- often people who consider themselves to be quite “religious” -- believe that they have a monopoly on truth. Such a belief, however, can clearly be seen to limit one’s flexibility and ability to learn.
It greatly hampers even the possiblity for one to listen deeply to what is being said. Without such listening capability, no genuine dialogue can be had or progress made. A closed mind cannot open to hear another opinion.
The late Zen master Shunryu Suzuki once said, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.” An “expert” believes (s)he already has the answers; why, then, listen to other views? But we would be better served to consider ourselves “beginners,” that is, with something more to learn. In fact, such a beginner’s attitude is a desideratum for learning anything at all.
No real benefit can derive from having made up one’s mind before a dialogue even begins, though I recognize how much easier this is “said than done.” We usually listen only to hear our own opinions echoed. Not hearing that, we don’t hear anything at all.
In order to engage in meaningful dialogue we must come to the table respecting all participants equally and then we must do something that is quite difficult indeed: we must ourselves become as empty vessels, ready and available to receive. If we can’t do this, we might as well not enter into discussion at all. To do so is only pretense.
Please e-mail On Faith if you'd like to receive an email notification when On Faith sends out a new question.
Email Me | Del.icio.us | Digg | Facebook
