Baso knows well
only the ox truly
understands the yoke
but if you offer it
the ox will not accept.
Why would you seek
to become the ox
as it would be better
to burn the yoke.
Koan
KENSHO
It will arrive before you know it,
will be gone again
before you realize it was even here.
This is how it is supposed to be,
Even if not how we want it.
We will know it had been there
and that needs to be enough
for we would try and grasp it,
try to contain it, hold it.
But we are a sieve to water,
an hourglass to sand,
and satori would have
no other way.
RISHO’S POEM
Have you been here –
who will know?
The sun and moon
record your journey.
What you release
gathers joyously around you,
what you cling to
flies off on the slightest breeze,
mountain and cloud
enfold each other.
Will you join them?
A reflection on case 35 of the Iron Flute Koans.
FUNYO’S WALKING STICK
A fool may say
I have been many places
in search of true Zen
and have found it here
and there, go look.
The feet of the fool
have been all
of those places
but have the wisdom
to stay silent.
A Reflection on case 21 of the Iron Flute Koans
SOUTHERN MOUNTAIN
When you visit the Southern Mountain
what will you say
of its Northern brother?
Returning northward what words
will best describe the Southern peak?
Answer carefully after much thought
or remain silent, both choices
are yours to select, as both
mountains caress the passing clouds
and reach out for the sun
which neither may grasp.
A reflection on case 42 of the Iron Flute Koans
SEPPO’S TURNING THE WHEEL
The wisest of men
when asked at what time
it is best to pursue the Way
will answer when a thousand stars
have made their presence known.
The wisest student will say
when cleaning myself
by bathing in the mud.
This will become clear
when the frog
consumes the dragon.
A reflection on Case 38 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo
WHEN THE BELL SOUNDS
Does coyote come down
the mountain, or does
the mountain rise up
under coyote?
Do either hear
the sound
of the Temple bell?
Pull on the robe
against the heat,
tie tight the obi
to be freed
of the leash.
