an old writer and his words

  • JOSHU’S DWELLING 鐵笛倒吹 七十

      If a poor man offers you the finest diamond do you take it, and what of the gift of a crust of bread from the wealthy man. Each gift, in its way, is worthy of rejection. Once I grasped at great thoughts – now I can forget my own name and wonder whose face…

    Lou Faber

  • JOSHU’S DOG (SHOBOGENZO 114)

    Joshu’s dog and Schrödinger’s cat- are they one and the same. Leave the lid on the box of the mind. What is the half-life of a thought?

    Lou Faber

  • BLOWING OUT THE CANDLE無門關 二十八

      Ryukan and Tokusan, one an old fool one a young fool. Burn your notes, set fire to them both, enlightenment can be found in the ashes, where words and thought are carried off on the winds. A reflection on Case 28 of the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate)

    Lou Faber

  • TIPPING THE WATER BOTTLE 無門關 四十

      These few words gathered neatly on a scrap of simple paper, what do you call it? Answer carefully for you response may carry the keys to the doors of Mount Tai-i. Better still, upend the water bottle, watch the ink and water form a gentle pool into which no pebble drops. A reflection on…

    Lou Faber

  • NANSEN’S REJECTIONS 鐵笛倒吹 四十四

      If you come before Master Nansen, will you come holding the posture of a monk or a lay person, and when Nansen turns you away, how will you exit the room? Nested hands and gassho hands – both are so easily manacled – why leave the room at all? A reflection on case 44…

    Lou Faber

  • THE GIRL COMES OUT 無門關 四十二

    She sits undisturbed Shakyamuni by her side. You can wave at her, she will pay you no mind. You cannot grasp her mind and maintain a hold on your own, you will grow deaf from the chatter but a child can curl at her feet and she will stroke his forehead in perfect Samadhi. A…

    Lou Faber

  • THREE THOUGHTS (HAIKU)

    The pelican dives beneath an ominous sky – this is no Koi pond. Snowy egret stares, his reflection returns it calm pond undisturbed. Haiku is perfect if you adhere to the form in all four seasons.

    Lou Faber

  • INSTRUCTIONS FOR WALKING MEDITATION (KINHIN)

    You should walk slowly, measure each step, insure your foot is in deep contact with the earth before giving its partner freedom, only to fall victim, in turn, to gravity.  Steady your pace until it merges into your breath and the silence deafens you.

    Lou Faber

  • WHO IS HE? 無門關 四十語

    Sitting with Shakya and Maitreya in the utter stillness of early morning you each strain to hear the master’s voice. Do not take up Shakya’s bow or attempt to mount Maitreya’s horse Do not engage Hoen in discussion but look inward, hand your bow to Maitreya, the reins to Shakya. There is only one horse,…

    Lou Faber

  • NANSEN’S REJECTIONS 鐵笛倒吹 四十四

    If you come before Master Nansen will you come holding the posture of a monk or a lay person and when Nansen turns you away how will you exit the room? Nested hands and gassho hands both are so easily manacled, why leave the room at all? A reflection on case 44 of the Iron…

    Lou Faber