an old writer and his words

  • RYUGE PASSES THE CHIN REST

    You say you area seeker asking this teacherand that teacher to giveyou the dharmaand the knowledgeof how to attainenlightenment.Each teacher merelystrikes you withthe keisakuso you move on.Each teacherhas given youthe heart of dharma,why can’t you see it? A reflection on Case 80 of the Book of Equanimity, Shoyoroku 従容錄

    Lou Faber

  • USER’S MANUAL

    In my dreams last night I thought I came across the Buddha while off wandering somewhere I could not recognize. I thought long and hard about following Linji’s proscription and killing the Buddha, but while lost in contemplation the Buddha took up his keisaku, said “if you cannot follow the simplest of directions, if you…

    Lou Faber

  • RINZAI’S ENLIGHTENMENT 正法眼蔵 二十七

      If you ask your question you will find an answer but ask another and the stick will respond each time. If you seek another teacher will you change the question or the answer, and does it matter. Take up the stick, who will you strike, your teacher or yourself, and is there any real…

    Lou Faber

  • ULTIMATE TRUTH 鐵笛倒吹 四十三

    When the stick is raised a truth hovers nearby, will you accept it? When the student is struck does truth leave the polished wood, sinking into the student’s shoulder or does it rise up within the student to meet the falling stick? Sitting zazen do you ask directions to the zendo? A reflection on Case…

    Lou Faber

  • SANSHU’S BLINDNESS 正法眼蔵 四十

    If you come forward and ask no question, the master will give you an answer, but if you approach with a question, the master will strike you with the stick. It is only when your eyes are blinded that you can take up the master’s staff and all is clearly seen.

    Lou Faber

  • MEETING BUDDHA ON THE ROAD

    In my dreams last night, I thought I came across the Buddha while off wandering somewhere I could not recognize. I thought long and hard about following Linji’s prescription and killing this Buddha, but while lost in my contemplation the Buddha took up his keisaku, said, “if you cannot follow the simplest of directions, if you…

    Lou Faber