an old writer and his words

  • THREE VIEWS OF THE SHOBOGENZO

    SEIGAN’S WHISK If a master asks where I am from I shall tell him. If he lifts his stick and asks if they have this stick there I will grab the stick and cast it into the ocean so it may go where it chooses. HYAKUJO REMAINS SEATED The gift of dharma flies off in…

    Lou Faber

  • THROUGH THE GATE: FURTHER REFLECTIONS ON THE MUMONKON

    The Beardless Barbarian       無門關 四      A young child has no beard.   In one dream you are bearded and awake clean shaven.   In one dream you are clean shaven and awake rubbing your long beard.   When you meet your dreams and when your dreams meet you, which is real, Wakuan…

    Lou Faber

  • STANDING AT THE GATE: REFLECTIONS ON THE MUMONKON

    Joshu’s Dog                 無門關 一    There is no question nor dog nor Buddha-nature.   There is no thing   In the far corner Joshu barks loudly.   Hyakujo’s Fox             無門關 二     The old, crippled fox crawled slowly from the mouth of the dark cave.   Sidling up to Hayakujo the old monk said to fox, “think…

    Lou Faber