an old writer and his words

  • TURNING

    It has been six full turnsof the shēngxiào since the dayyou brought a baby dragoninto the world and as quicklyset it free, never looking back.It is again my year, and youhave been gone for two decadesbut I was born of waterand so it is perhaps naturalthat on special daysI continue to honoryour memory with my…

    Lou Faber

  • TIME DOES NOT WAIT

    I sat today and staredinto the backyard, lookingcarefully for rabbits.None appeared today despitemy fond desire to see oneassuming it would beauspicious somehow.It is their year nowso I know they cango when and where they please.Perhaps they are lookingfor red banners of welcomeand I offer none of those forthe Buddhas on the altar sayDragon ought not…

    Lou Faber

  • GENSHA’S SEAMLESS STUPA

    If you pet a dragondoes it become a cat?If you make a cat roardoes it become a dragon?How highis over your head,how deepis beneath your feet.Build it just so. A reflection on Case 60 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • SEPPO’S TURNING THE WHEEL

    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 when the frog consumes the dragon. A reflection on Case 38…

    Lou Faber

  • 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 when the frog consumes the dragon. A reflection on Case 38…

    Lou Faber

  • 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.

    Lou Faber

  • DRAGON HOWLING IN A WITHERED TREE 正法眼蔵 二十八

    Cut the hook off the line and throw it into the lake, dump the bait container onto the damp soil along the shore. Now sit silently in the oarless boat in the middle of the lake and drop your line and wait for the dragon to bite. And when it does, yell at it, hear…

    Lou Faber