A Key Lesson from the First Verse of the Rikyu Hundred Verses

As part of my mindfulness practice, I’ve been learning the Urasenke tea ceremony with my sensei, Satsuki-san.

During one of our sessions, she introduced me to the Rikyu Hundred Verses, a collection of wisdom from the great tea master Sen no Rikyū.

The first verse in particular stood out to me as a powerful reminder—not just for the art of tea, but for life and business as well:

To have the mind to begin this path is, indeed, to have an inherent teacher.

This verse highlights the essential truth that learning begins within us.

Sometimes, when we’re faced with new challenges or experiences, we don’t always feel ready or eager to learn.

But in those moments, it’s our willingness to remain open that allows us to progress. Without that openness, growth stalls.

As entrepreneurs, we often face constant change—new technologies, shifting markets, or unexpected challenges.

For me it was learning the new mobile video apps. I had such a resistance to learning!

After hiring a video consultant I learned the techniques and am so happy I took the time to do so!

It’s easy to resist learning when confronted with the unfamiliar, but the ability to embrace learning, even when it’s uncomfortable, is what enables us to grow and succeed.

As Zen master Shunryu Suzuki once said,

In the beginner’s mind, there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind, there are few.

This Zen principle reminds us to always approach situations with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, no matter how experienced we are.

How the Willingness to Learn Applies to Entrepreneurs

1. Notice Your Resistance We all experience moments of resistance when it comes to learning something new. Whether it’s adapting to a new business model or receiving unexpected feedback, the first step is recognizing when we are resisting. Awareness allows us to address the root of the resistance and move forward.
2. Shift Your Perspective Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, see them as opportunities to learn. Ask yourself,

What can I learn from this?

By shifting your perspective, you open yourself up to new growth and possibilities, echoing the words of Lao Tzu:

The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.

3. Nurture Curiosity Curiosity is one of the most valuable traits for an entrepreneur. When we approach situations with a sense of wonder and inquiry, we create space for creative solutions.As the Japanese philosopher Dogen Zenji advised,

Do not follow the ideas of others, but learn to listen to the voice within yourself.

Curiosity creates a deeper connection to our own inner wisdom and opens doors to new opportunities.

4. Make Time for Learning The most successful entrepreneurs understand that learning is a lifelong process. Incorporate learning into your routine—whether it’s reading books, listening to podcasts, or reflecting on experiences.

As Confucius once said,

He who learns but does not think is lost; he who thinks but does not learn is in great danger.

5. Learn from Mistakes Mistakes are valuable teachers. Rather than viewing failures as setbacks, embrace them as opportunities for growth.

Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh teaches us,

When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don’t blame the lettuce. You look for reasons it is not doing well. You may need to adjust the soil, the water, or the sunlight.

In the same way, when things don’t go as planned, it’s important to reflect on what can be learned from the situation.

Step-by-Step Guide: Cultivating a Willingness to Learn

1. Recognize Resistance The next time you feel resistance toward something new or challenging, take a moment to acknowledge it. Write down what’s holding you back and why you might feel hesitant.
2. Ask the Right Questions Instead of focusing on the difficulty, ask,

What can I learn from this? How will this help me grow?

Shifting the focus to learning makes challenges easier to navigate.

3. Cultivate Curiosity Approach challenges with curiosity. Ask questions and explore new perspectives. Curiosity helps you remain flexible and adaptable, two critical qualities in a constantly changing business environment.

4. Dedicate Time to Learning Make learning a habit. Set aside time each week to read, attend workshops, or reflect on your experiences. Continuous learning helps you stay sharp and prepares you for new challenges.

5. Reflect on Mistakes After a setback, take time to reflect on what you can learn from the experience. Write down three lessons from the mistake and how you can apply them moving forward.

Let’s Grow Together

If you’re ready to embrace learning and take your business to the next level, I’d love to support you on that journey. Let’s set up a discovery call to explore how coaching can help you grow as an entrepreneur. Click here to schedule a time: Schedule a Discovery Call.

Wishing you all the very best always,

Female Founders Mentorship Circle

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Embracing the Willingness to Learn

This worksheet is designed to help you reflect on your willingness to learn, especially during challenging times.

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