-
SEPPO’S TURNING THE WHEEL 正法眼蔵 三十八
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 to you when the frog consumes the dragon.
-
INSTRUCTIONS FOR WALKING MEDITATION (KINHIN)
You should walk slowly, measure each step, insure your foot is in deep contact with the earth before giving its partner freedom, only to fall victim, in turn, to gravity. Steady your pace until it merges into your breath and the silence deafens you.
-
WHO IS HE? 無門關 四十語
Sitting with Shakya and Maitreya in the utter stillness of early morning you each strain to hear the master’s voice. Do not take up Shakya’s bow or attempt to mount Maitreya’s horse Do not engage Hoen in discussion but look inward, hand your bow to Maitreya, the reins to Shakya. There is only one horse,…
-
YANGSHAN’S “DHARMA POSITIONS”
This word no longer exists. This moment is now history. Dead stars shine brightly in a midnight sky. The Buddha has a thousand names and will answer to none of them. Why do you keep calling him? A reflection on Case 14 of the Shobogenzo (Dogen’s True Dharma Eye)
-
MINISTER PEIXIU SEES A PORTRAIT
You are perpetually searching, but what is it you seek? If you say it is wisdom, how will you know it if it finds you? You may look in a thousand mirrors and no mind will be seen in none of them. You are an oyster, where is the pearl? A reflection on Case 9…
-
SEIJO’S SOUL 無門關 三十語
Open your mouth and let your soul flee on the dance of your departing breath. Inhale slowly, let a different soul find purchase in your lungs. Both souls are your soul, neither soul is yours, but is it the moon or an obscuring cloud? A reflection on case 35 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate)
-
DHARMA
Buddha was asked, once, to describe all the dharmas while standing on one foot. “Hillel could do it,” the crowd said, “so you too should be so able.” Buddha smiled and said, “Hillel was a good friend, as was Jesus and Ishmael.” Buddha then gently sat beneath the Bodhi tree and was completely silent.
-
A MONESTARY HEAD IS SELECTED 鐵笛倒吹 七十四
A starving man will prefer a crust of bread over an invitation to a future feast. When asked what you seek, what do you say? When asked why you seek it, what is your answer? When you expect nothing you will not be disappointed. A relection on case 74 of the Iron Flute.
-
TURNING
He says, “I’ve run out of cheeks, my own family has used up so many and there are so few left, I save them to have one to turn when someone sincerely and truly atones.” “I suppose,” she says, “there is some logic to that.” “Not at all,” he replies, “for if someone truly atones,…
-
CREATION
God created man in God’s image much as man created God in his. If there were no God, there could be no man, and yet, if there were no man, there would be no God. Perhaps Aristotle had it right but certainly easier, noting that bird and egg must have always existed, and so for…
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
an old writer and his words 