an old writer and his words

  • SEIJO’S SOUL 無門關 三十語

    Open your mouth and let your soul flee on the dance of your departing breath. Inhale slowly, let a different soul find purchase in your lungs. Both souls are your soul, neither soul is yours, but is it the moon or an obscuring cloud? A reflection on case 35 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate)

    Lou Faber

  • TIPPING THE WATER BOTTLE 無門關 四十

    These few words gathered neatly on a scrap of simple paper, what do you call it? Answer carefully for you response may carry the keys to the doors of Mount Tai-i. Better still, upend the water bottle, watch the ink and water form a gentle pool into which no pebble drops. A reflection on Case…

    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