an old writer and his words

  • DESHAN’S ENLIGHTENMENT

    If you carry the sutrasand the koan collectionswith you on the pathwhat will you getother than tired.If you carry nothingon the pathyou may be enlightened. A reflection on case 104 of Dogen’s True Dharma Eye koans (正法眼蔵)

    Lou Faber

  • YANGSHAN’S SUCCESSION

    If you ask a masterafter many yearsto transmit the dharmato you, whatdo you expect?A true master willsmile and continuesitting zazenthe transmissionlong since complete. A reflection on case 103 of Dogen’s True Dharma Eye koans (正法眼蔵)

    Lou Faber

  • LAYMAN PANGYUN’S STRINGLESS LUTE

    If you ask your teacherto look in the directionof the path to enlightenmenthe will look downat his feet.If you ask him howfar down the pathyou must go, he willlook up without moving. A reflection on Case 99 of the Shobogenzo Koans 正法眼蔵 (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • DONGSHAN’S ILLNESS

    If you tell your teacherthat you are feeling painduring your practicehe will ask you wherethe pain is.If you point to a partof your body he willturn away but if youpoint to your headhe will tell you thatyou can heal yourself. A reflection on Case 98 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • SHUSHAN AND THE STONE WORKERS

    If, in searchingfor enlightenment youcome across a masterand you ask him in whichof the four cardinal directionsyou should seek your goalhe will tell you to looknorth, east, southand west at once.If you say you cannothe will tell you to lookin all four direction whichyou can do from whereyou are then standing. A reflection on Case…

    Lou Faber

  • PUHUA KNOCKS OVER A TABLE

    While you are on the cushionif your teacher stoopsto ask you how is your sittingdo you say it is goodor it is not good?The teacher will smirkat either answer forthere are no good sittingsor bad sittings,there is only sitting. A reflection on Case 96 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • JIASHAN SEES THE FERRYMAN

    When you sitwith your teacherand ask him to give youthe heart of the dharmawhat do you expectto receive?A wise studentdoes not ask to receivethat which cannotbe given, but canonly be shared. A reflection on Case 90 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans 正法眼蔵 (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • SHISHUANG’S “THIS SIDE AND THAT SIDE”

    If the teacher asks youwhether you wantto place your cushion hereor place your cushion therehow do you answer?When the teacher asks youwhy it matters whereyou place your cushionwhat answer do you have? A reflection on Case 89 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans 正法眼蔵 (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • SOZAN’S WITH OR WITHOUT

    Do not be the studentalways seeking a newteacher, for if you askto be shown the patheach will give youa different answerand you will be confused.Yet all answers willbe the same and youwill find the paththe moment that yourealize this. A reflection on Case 87 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • RINZAI’S GREAT ENLIGHTENMENT

    If you ask your teacherto tell you all you needto know of Buddhismdo not expect to receivethe dharma, to hearthe teacher recite sutras.A truly wise teacherwill tap you on the headand show you to the door. A reflection on Case 86 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber