an old writer and his words

  • ON THE ROAD TO NIRVANA

    S: What are you doing, for heaven sake? H: Isn’t it obvious, I’m searching      for Nirvana, for enlightenment. S: You silly fool, it’s right behind you! H: (turning suddenly) It is not,      I would certainly see it. S: You might think so, but      it is still right behind you!…

    Lou Faber

  • NO MIND IS THE WAY

    If you think about it, it will suddenly disappear, if you do not think about it, it will reappear, but do not try and understand for understanding can only come from the final surrender of understanding. It is the back of your head in a mirrorless world which others see but you can not. A…

    Lou Faber

  • NO MIND, NO BUDDHA

    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. A reflection on case 33 of the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate)

    Lou Faber

  • 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…

    Lou Faber

  • 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.

    Lou Faber

  • 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

    Lou Faber

  • 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.…

    Lou Faber

  • 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…

    Lou Faber

  • 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. A reflection on case 16 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate)

    Lou Faber

  • RINZAI PLANTS A PINE

    If you have a seed in your pocket what will you do with it? Even a small seed planted carefully in the middle of a forest may take hold and grow. Tamp the soil with your toe three times, three times again secure in knowing this tree will never provide you shade. A reflection on…

    Lou Faber