an old writer and his words

  • SEPPO SEES HIS NATURE 鐵笛倒吹 三十四

    Do not imagine yourselfShravaka or Boddhisatvanor ask the Masterif his reflection isthe fullest moon or bright sun. Both stick and slapawaken youand clear your sight. The Master’s eyesare blind to youand your reflectioncan only be seenby looking within. A reflection on case 34 of the Iron Flute Koans.

    Lou Faber

  • TOZAN’S DHARMA BODIES 正法眼蔵 語十語

    If I ask you“does a circlehave both insideand outside,” what do you say.If you cut it intothree pieces, whichhas inside, which outsideand what of the third? A reflection on Case 55 of the True Dharma Eye (Shobogenzo) Koans

    Lou Faber

  • GENSHA’S BLANK LETTER 正法眼蔵 四十八

    If you wish to find the Wayfollow the signs that read“This Is Not the Path” orat least some of them.If you ask me directionsI will hand you a blank sheetand ask you whatdoes it contain.You may say it is voidand you would be correct,or you may say itis a thousand dharma textsand you would be…

    Lou Faber

  • THE GIRL COMES OUT 無門關 四十二

    She sits undisturbedShakyamuni by her side.You can wave at her, shewill pay you no mind. You cannot grasp her mindand maintain a holdon your own, you will growdeaf from the chatterbut a child can curlat her feet and shewill stroke his foreheadin perfect Samadhi. A reflection on case 42 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate) koans.

    Lou Faber

  • HOGEN’S DRIP OF WATER 鐵笛倒吹 九十一

    What are wordsof wisdomfrom the mouthof the ancient ones.I tell youthese are such words.You may acceptor reject themas you will.Better still, tearthis page from its bindingcrumple itand cast itto the four winds.Let it be carriedoff in ten directions. A reflection on case 91 of the Iron Flute Koans

    Lou Faber

  • DOGO’S GREATEST DEPTH 鐵笛倒吹 六十六

    If you walk into the roomand many are meditatinghow will you know whichis the teacher, which the students? If one sits on a higher platformwill you assume him teacherand ask the depth of his Zen.If he comes down to youand says he has no depth to offerdo not think him a fool.When you sit at…

    Lou Faber

  • UTEKI ASKS BUDDHA 鐵笛倒吹 四十語

    While out for a walkon a sun filled Spring dayif you happen across the Buddhahow will you recognize him? If you offer gasshoto Buddha surelyit will be returned, butis it he or merelyyour reflection offthe surface of a still pond?Does this matter to you? A reflection on case 45 of the Iron Flute Koans

    Lou Faber

  • DUGO AND UNGAN MEET

    When your mind is ragingthoughts flowing, eddyingwhen you enter the zendowhat do you do in sitting? Do you take your stickand measure the waterto insure a safe fording,or do you sit amid the streamand let the floodwash over and around youdry and silent within? A reflection on Case 36 of the Iron Flute Koans

    Lou Faber

  • SŌZAN’S NO CHANGE 正法眼蔵 三十

    In entering, do you arriveor are you leaving.In departing do you leaveor are you arriving.Can the gate answeror does it chooseto remain silent.The mountain shoutsthe answer but onlythe river can hear it. A reflection on case 30 of the Dogen’s Shobogenzo (The True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • THIS VERY MIND 無門關 三十

    You are forever seekingthe path, as thoughit will give you a sign. Seeking the Buddha is goodbut looking for himis ultimate futilityfor the eyes are incapableof looking within. A reflection on case 30 of the Mumonkan (the Gateless Gate Koans)

    Lou Faber