an old writer and his words

  • HOW COULD YOU?

    How could you turn your backon Judaism, he asked, as thoughit was a shadow I was trying to outrun.I do not tell him that if his Godwants me to take it up againGod needs only ask me personally,but far too many claim who to be his messengerhave led me to the place I find myself.I…

    Lou Faber

  • HYAKUJO’S FOX 無門關 二

    The old, crippled foxcrawled slowly from the mouthof the dark cave. Sidling up to Hayakujothe old monk said to fox,“think fox, useno mind to thinkno thing. Fox paused in reflection.Cremated bones, fleshand fur were lovingly buriedin a monk’s funeral. A reflection on Case 2 of the Mumonkan 無門関 (The Gateless Gate Koans)

    Lou Faber

  • TIANHUANG’S “ESSENTIAL DHARMA GATE”

    When you askyour teacherfor directionsalong the pathhe will havenothing to say.When you realizethat in beingwith him, inthe silence, hehas given youthe greatest gift. A reflection on case 106 of Dogen’s True Dharma Eye koans (正法眼蔵)

    Lou Faber

  • WITHOUT EXCEPTION

    The Jewish sages teach us thatwhoever saves one lifeit is as if he saves the world.Try though I might to find it,I cannot locate the exceptionfor those unfortunate enoughto live among others whocommit unspeakable acts,but surely there must be an exception.How else do you explain whytens of thousands of worldswere not saved in Gaza, why…

    Lou Faber

  • 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

  • BAIZHANG AND THE FOX

    You may ask a teacherif a truly enlightened oneis subject to cause and effect.If the teacher says nohe is a fox leading you astraybut if he says yes, he isa bear deep in hibernation.The wise teacher willremain silent knowingthat cause and effectexist simultaneouslyand his silence isa lesson you need to learn. A reflection on Case…

    Lou Faber

  • JUST A THOUGHT

    In a world that continues to spinwildly out of control, always threateningso shift off its axis to unknown ends,the faithful go merrily about their waywhile those who believe but doubtquestion why God does not simplydo away with evil, for that must surelyfall within His omnipotence, evilbanished by a Holy thought or two.What God would tell…

    Lou Faber

  • NANYUE’S IT IS NOT LIKE SOMETHING

    You may spend yearscombing through the Dharmato find a kernel of enlightenment.It will be a futile searchfor no such kernel exists.But if your combingis woven into your practiceenlightenment mightjust stumble upon you. A reflection on Case 101 of the Shobogenzo Koans 正法眼蔵 (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • YUNMEN’S DHARMA BODY

    If you ask a masterhow to develop a dharma bodyhe will ask you whatyou imagine that bodywould be like.If you say it wouldbe becoming a Buddhahe will tell youit needs no developmentonly your recognition,for it is always present. A reflection on Case 100 of the Shobogenzo Koans 正法眼蔵 (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber