an old writer and his words

  • SAY WHAT?

    There is a Buddhist expression that you cannotstep into the same river twice, which makesa certain amount of sense since the river changesfrom moment to moment, and the river youfirst step in is gone even before you step out.But you can step into the same accent repeatedlyif you tune your ear and listen carefully.Those who…

    Lou Faber

  • AND THEN

    My Buddhism teaches me that Ishould be in this moment,present in an infinitesimally smallbit of time, always here, never staying.This morning my back had an issuewith me, and made its displeasure known.Pain fills moments, elongates themand time ever moving appears to slow,to grind along, almost to a halt.Would that pleasure might do the samebut it…

    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

  • WRITING

    I wrote my namein the waterof a still pondpracticing untileach letter wasperfectly shaped.I smiledat my signatureas a morningshower rippled itto the surroundshores.

    Lou Faber

  • SHUZAN’S NEW BRIDE

    If you ask a masterto point you to the waywhat do you expectthat he will do?You imagine an assand a rider withthe teacher leading,but stop and considerwill you be the assor the rider? A reflection on Case 65 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • SHISHO’S TRANSMISSION

    If a teacher offersto give you the dharmawhat will you do.If you accept his offerhe will give youan empty sack of air.If you refuse the offeryou will havefound the dharmaall around you. A reflection on Case 64 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • BEIKO’S NO ENLIGHTENMENT

    If you comeupon a masterand he asks youwhere it is you are going,what it is you seek,do not tell him youwant to find the pathleading to enlightenment.A wise masterwill tell youthat you cannotseek enlightenment,and only when you stopcan you hope to find it. A reflection on Case 62 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • KEMPO’S ONE STROKE

    If you try and followthe path of a masteryou will be lostin a forest of doubt.If you ask the masterwhere your path ishe will look downand stareat your feetin silence.Will you start walking? A reflection on Case 61 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • THERE

    It is thereit always has beenand as a childyou saw it clearlyas all children do.When did your eyesgrow blind to it,when did you thinkit disappeared.It is there,you can grasp itif you are willingto reach deeplywithin, to see itin the greater lightwithout your eyes.It is therewaiting for you,has been all along,what will you do ,what can…

    Lou Faber

  • GENYO’S ONE THING

    If you tell your teacherthat your sittingwas disturbed by a thoughthe may tell youto simply throw it away.If you say you cannotthrow away a thoughtfor it has no substancehe may smile and tellyou that you may keepits nothingness withoutfear for your practice. A reflection on case 57 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber