an old writer and his words

  • YAOSHAN’S DISCOURSE

    If you ask a masterto give you the dharmahe may hand you sutras.If you ask him to explainthe meaning of the dharmathe wise master will sitbefore you and say nothing.He has given youthe greatest gift.What will you dowith what youhave been given? Reflection on Case 79 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye) 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • FOR A WORD

    Consider for a moment justhow different things might betoday, perhaps only in small ways,if one particular Mary hadnever been sainted, for thenthe asylum in London might wellhave had a different name, notSt. Mary’s of Bethlem for Bethlehem.If that had happened there wouldbe no bedlam in the world, tothe obvious frustration of politicianswho would have to…

    Lou Faber

  • DONGSHAN’S “WHERE IS THE FAULT?”

    When you look in the mirrordo you see yourself?Is the you in the mirroranother you?If you say it is merelya reflection of youare you a reflection of it?You imagine you are realand the mirror youimagines he is real.Both real, both illusions. A reflection on Case 78 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye) 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • QUANDRY

    There is an excellent reason that zazenis a largely silent practice.It is said you must be in the momentbut there is no other possible momentyou can be in at any given moment.If you think about being in the momentthe moment is lost to your thoughtsso you were never really in that moment.So perhaps you can…

    Lou Faber

  • DISCLOSING IS NOT AS GOOD AS PRACTICE

    You can spend an hourstudying Dharmaor you can spendten minutesin silent zazen,The great Wayis silent andno paper cancontain it, truesilence cannotbe read or studied. A reflection on case 77 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • NO MIND IS THE WAY

    If you ask a teacherto show you the Waya wise teacher will saythat there is no Wayto show you, for you,waiting for his answerare looking outsideyourself whilethe Way waits within. A reflection on case 76 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • THE FAR SHORE

    The old monkstanding alongsidethe ever still pondpicks up a pebbleand tosses itinto the pond.The ripplesspread outever wideras the Buddhaon the far shoresimply smiles.

    Lou Faber

  • YANTOU’S SIT STILL

    When sitting on the zafuif you try not to thinkyou are thinking.If you sit and breathein the silenceeverything will appearbefore you andin that momentyou will see nothing. A reflection on case 75 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • MIMOYAN’S PITCHFORK

    When you sitbefore the teacherand he asks whatis it you seekfrom him, if you answerhe will say he cannotgive you whatyou already have.If you say nothingand stay silenthe will say the worldis all yours. A reflection on case 73 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • AMUSEMENT

    Life, he said with his ever present smile,is very much like an amusement park.The preacher, priest, rabbi standsat the ticket booth, gladly taking your moneyand telling you to have a good time,but reminding you of the penaltyfor not following the rules he or shehands you, neatly bound and printedin longer or shorter versions dependingon who…

    Lou Faber