an old writer and his words

  • GYOZAN PLANTS HIS HOE

    Coming infrom a just plantedbut barren rice fieldwhen I ask youhow many grains of ricethis harvest will yieldyou stand silentlyand we nod in agreement. A reflection on Case 68 of the Shobogenzo (True Dharma Eye) koans.

    Lou Faber

  • GYOZAN CAN’T SAY IT

    The true artist,when askedto draw a perfect tree will lead you to the gardenand have you situnder the great maple.The true masterasked to speak of Dharmawill silentlyface the wallin zazen. A reflection on case 118 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye Koans

    Lou Faber

  • GYOZAN’S OBJECTS 鐵笛倒吹 二十七

    If a thousand objects are arrayed before you what will you do, what do you call them? A sphere has no edges, I can reach through a cloud. Why would I try to cut a moment in two, or stuff a cloud in my pocket. A reflection on Case 27 of the Iron Flute Koans

    Lou Faber

  • GYOZAN’S HIGH AND LOW 法眼蔵 二十三

    Stand on the hill and look into the valley. Stand in the valley and look upon the hill. Do you see yourself in either place, do you see yourself in both or are they one place hidden from your vision. A reflection on case 86 of the Shobogenzo (Dogen’s True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber