an old writer and his words

  • TOZAN’S DISCLOSING MIND

    Many would sayI think therefore I amand it is only deaththat takes away all thoughtand so to walk deeplyalong the Path, allthat is requiredis to truly live the Wayby allowingthe mind to die. A reflection on case 62 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • ISAN’S EXPLORING SPIRITUAL POWERS

    If you mustfollow the Way, youmay read the Dharmafor hours on endor you may brewa pot of teafor your teacher, orbring your studenta towel and basin.Which two stepsalong the waywill you take? A reflection on Case 61 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • JOSHU’S BUDDHA

    If you go in search of Buddhashould you see him, donot stop or speak but run away.If you do not see the Buddharun away from that place.If you stop, to take waterfrom the edge of a still pondlook carefully, forthe Buddha is therejust above the water’s surface. A reflection on case 80 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo…

    Lou Faber

  • ONLY A BUDDHA AND A BUDDHA

    We walk forwardto try and seewhere we are going,always wantingbut never seeingwhere we have been.Is it better towalk backwardseeing clearlywhere we will not gowithout ideaof a destination.Look down and decide. A reflection on Case 92 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • HOFUKO’S POINT OF ATTAINMENT

    You may ask many thingsof any teacher you meetbut the wisest of themwill only offer youunending questions.When you look to themto point you to the Waythey are doomed to failurefor your feet obscurethe Way, and it is onlyby looking withinand down through your legsand feet and toesthat you can see the way A reflection on…

    Lou Faber

  • UMMON’S MOUNT SUMERU

    When you ask your teacherwhat happens when youstop thinking, allowno new thoughtswhat you expect himto tell you? The dead have no thoughtsbut that is not the doorto Nirvana. But if thoughts abandon youwithout your effort, withoutbeing asked to do so,then the door you seekwill open before you. A reflection on case 19 of the Book…

    Lou Faber

  • JOSHU’S DOG

    My teacher once asked me“what do you haveto say for yourself,” and Ianswered “absolutely nothing,”or did I smile and remain silent? You assume the teacher wouldbe upset with the silent studentand in most cases you wouldbe perfectly correct. But if this occurredin a zendo, having nothingto say is a step toward no-selfand you can bein…

    Lou Faber

  • UMMON’S MOUNT SUMERU

    When you ask your teacherwhat happens when youstop thinking, allowno new thoughtswhat you expect himto tell you? The dead have no thoughtsbut that is not the doorto Nirvana. But if thoughts abandon youwithout your effort, withoutbeing asked to do so,then the door you seekwill open before you. A reflection on Case 19 of the Book…

    Lou Faber

  • HOGAN’S HAIR’S-BREADTH

    What is it you are looking for,what you expect to findand how will you knowif you find it? You expected your teacherto present it to you? What would you do with itif you did receive it? You must first see that youare both the searcherand the teacher andyou already havewhat you are searching for,for you…

    Lou Faber

  • MAYOKU THUMPS HIS STAFF

    If as you walkalong the wayyou come acrossa small bird’s nestfallen to the groundits eggs intact,you place itback on the branchwithout a thought. If as you walk onand come acrossanother small bird’s nestfallen to the groundits eggs intactyou place itback on the branchbecause it pleases you. One right thoughtand right action,one wrong thoughtand wrong action,how…

    Lou Faber