an old writer and his words

  • THE HANDS AND EYES OF GREAT COMPASSION

    If you look for the dharmaand the path you areonly halfwayto what you seek.The eyes look outbut what looks inwhere the restof the dharmaand path lies? A reflection on case 105 of Dogen’s True Dharma Eye koans (正法眼蔵)

    Lou Faber

  • DESHAN’S ENLIGHTENMENT

    If you carry the sutrasand the koan collectionswith you on the pathwhat will you getother than tired.If you carry nothingon the pathyou may be enlightened. A reflection on case 104 of Dogen’s True Dharma Eye koans (正法眼蔵)

    Lou Faber

  • YANGSHAN’S SUCCESSION

    If you ask a masterafter many yearsto transmit the dharmato you, whatdo you expect?A true master willsmile and continuesitting zazenthe transmissionlong since complete. A reflection on case 103 of Dogen’s True Dharma Eye koans (正法眼蔵)

    Lou Faber

  • BAIZHANG AND THE FOX

    You may ask a teacherif a truly enlightened oneis subject to cause and effect.If the teacher says nohe is a fox leading you astraybut if he says yes, he isa bear deep in hibernation.The wise teacher willremain silent knowingthat cause and effectexist simultaneouslyand his silence isa lesson you need to learn. A reflection on Case…

    Lou Faber

  • NANYUE’S IT IS NOT LIKE SOMETHING

    You may spend yearscombing through the Dharmato find a kernel of enlightenment.It will be a futile searchfor no such kernel exists.But if your combingis woven into your practiceenlightenment mightjust stumble upon you. A reflection on Case 101 of the Shobogenzo Koans 正法眼蔵 (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • YUNMEN’S DHARMA BODY

    If you ask a masterhow to develop a dharma bodyhe will ask you whatyou imagine that bodywould be like.If you say it wouldbe becoming a Buddhahe will tell youit needs no developmentonly your recognition,for it is always present. A reflection on Case 100 of the Shobogenzo Koans 正法眼蔵 (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • LAYMAN PANGYUN’S STRINGLESS LUTE

    If you ask your teacherto look in the directionof the path to enlightenmenthe will look downat his feet.If you ask him howfar down the pathyou must go, he willlook up without moving. A reflection on Case 99 of the Shobogenzo Koans 正法眼蔵 (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • DONGSHAN’S ILLNESS

    If you tell your teacherthat you are feeling painduring your practicehe will ask you wherethe pain is.If you point to a partof your body he willturn away but if youpoint to your headhe will tell you thatyou can heal yourself. A reflection on Case 98 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • SHUSHAN AND THE STONE WORKERS

    If, in searchingfor enlightenment youcome across a masterand you ask him in whichof the four cardinal directionsyou should seek your goalhe will tell you to looknorth, east, southand west at once.If you say you cannothe will tell you to lookin all four direction whichyou can do from whereyou are then standing. A reflection on Case…

    Lou Faber

  • PUHUA KNOCKS OVER A TABLE

    While you are on the cushionif your teacher stoopsto ask you how is your sittingdo you say it is goodor it is not good?The teacher will smirkat either answer forthere are no good sittingsor bad sittings,there is only sitting. A reflection on Case 96 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber