an old writer and his words

  • POSTDICTIONS

    In the beginning there wasa void, stasis, dimensionless.I am a point, without sizetaking form only in motion,so too the seat on whichI sit on United flight 951not going from point Ato point B for neithercan exist in motiontranscending time. Each decision setsone me on a path, intoa dimension, dimensionswhile I tread a different pathand I…

    Lou Faber

  • GYOZAN CAN’T SAY IT

    The true artist,when askedto draw a perfect tree will lead you to the gardenand have you situnder the great maple.The true masterasked to speak of Dharmawill silentlyface the wallin zazen. A reflection on case 118 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye Koans

    Lou Faber

  • ZENGETSU SNAPS HIS FINGERS 鐵笛倒吹 八十七

    When two students meetalong the road, eachacknowledges the otherwith the snap of fingers.When a student walks the Wayto who does he snap his fingersand who passes with a small bow? If you happen across a teacherand ask him the meaning of thiswill you bow or snapand how will you respondto the silencethat enfolds his answer.…

    Lou Faber

  • GENTO’S THREE WORLDS 鐵笛倒吹 九十六

    If you claimthis world weighsheavily on you,and ask what to doyou will be toldto simply sit.If this is notclear to youyou may say so. When you carryanother worldto this placeyou will understandand be weightless

    Lou Faber

  • ANGLE OF INCIDENCE

    Dusk reflects dawn much asdawn reflects dusk, and it isour fear of night and deep needfor direction that sets them apart. Imagine a photograph of the sunhovering just over the horizon,compass-less we do not knowwhat preceded, what will follow. We prefer day and dawn, forit is then we feel in control,our thoughts leashed, our fearslocked…

    Lou Faber

  • QUESTION POSED, AWAITING A RESPONSE

    I stooped and spoketo a stone, asking the question.I was here before you arrivedand I will be her long after you leave.I held the sand in my handwarm from the sun, asking the question.I came after your arrivedand I will leave long before you are gone.I held the winter wind on the tipof a finger,…

    Lou Faber

  • WAITING FOR HEAVEN TO CALL

    He says he is waiting patientlyfor the arrival of heaven on earth. He is not sure what that will be likeand the descriptions he has seenare too fantastical to be believed,all clouds and angels and music He is hoping the things he lovesmost will be available in heaven,a good Alfredo sauce and Germanchocolate cake, for…

    Lou Faber

  • SOTO

    If you are able to speakmaintain silence,If you can bear the silence,listen to the song the sea sings.If you can sing with the seacount the grains of sandthat wash in on the next wave.If you lose count, begin againbefore the wave recedes.If the wave recedes beforeyou finish counting, bid it farewell.After you bid farewellreturn to…

    Lou Faber

  • GENTO’S AXE 鐵笛倒吹 八十二

    You sit before himan axe in his hand.He asks a question and saysif you answer I will cut offyour right hand,if you do not respondI will sever your left. There is no soundfrom the clock in the corneras you silently grab his axeand he smilesin deeply shared knowledge. A reflection on Case 82 of the…

    Lou Faber

  • Seizei’s Poverty 無門關 十

    Sozan shoutedto no onein particular“You may yet havethe finest wine, butonly when youhave nothing willyou taste iton your tongue. A reflection on Case 10 of the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate Koans)

    Lou Faber