an old writer and his words

  • HOGEN’S SUBSTANCE AND NAME

    As you wander searchingfor that dharma you believeyou need to attain enlightenmentyou may ask many teachersto point you to the dharma.Some will point to the ground,others to the sky, butthe wise teacher willtell you there is no dharmayou can grasp so pleasestop looking for nothing,it has already found you. A reflection on Case 74 of…

    Lou Faber

  • HOGEN’S BY BOAT OR LAND

    When the teacher asks youwhy you came to see himwhat will you answer?If you ask him a questionhe will sit silentlywaiting for you to answer.If you simply nodand bow he will smileand you may leave fulfilled. A reflection on Case 51 of The Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • HOGEN POINTS TO THE BLIND

    As you go about searchingfor what are you looking?What is there you want to gainwhat do you fear you lack?When you see there isneither gain nor lossthen you haveall that you need. A reflection on Case 27 of the Book of Equanimity, 従容錄, Shōyōroku

    Lou Faber