an old writer and his words

  • NANSEN’S NOTS 無門關 二十七

    What can you teach of Dharma? Nothing can be taught Dharma must be learned in not mind seek not-Buddha find no thing. A reflection on Case 27 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate)

    Lou Faber

  • A MISTAKE IN SPEAKING 無門關 三十九

    When you speak the words of the Buddha you are lost. Light is everywhere in silence but the tongue must hide in the dark of the mouth. Buddha’s words are flowers unfolding in the dawn by the side of the still pond, the eyes hear the song and respond in silent chorus. A reflection on…

    Lou Faber

  • SEKIKŌ’S SHORTCOMINGS 正法眼蔵 語十

    If you have no earlobes there will be nothing at all to hear. If he has no eyes, it is you who grow blind and your silence can drown his ceaseless tongue. The stick speaks louder than you both. A reflection on Case 50 of the Shobogenzo (Dogen’s True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • HOJU TURNS HIS BACK 鐵笛倒吹 七十二

    If a beggar approaches do you turn away from him. If a rich man calls to you, do you receive him openly. How do you tell them apart? If a poor thief in fine, stolen silks stands before you what do you offer in welcome, and what for his battered victim now wearing the thief’s…

    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

  • NANSEN’S AGE 鐵笛倒吹 二十四

    When you enter the hall which seat will you take? Your seat is determined by how long you have walked the Way, how long has it been. If you can measure the time that marks your entry sit at the far end for the honored seat is reserved for the ancients who enter the Way…

    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 reflelction on case…

    Lou Faber

  • NANSEN’S REJECTIONS 鐵笛倒吹 四十四

    If you come before Master Nansen will you come holding the posture of a monk or a lay person and when Nansen turns you away how will you exit the room? Nested hands and gassho hands both are so easily manacled, why leave the room at all? A Reflection on case 44 of the Iron…

    Lou Faber

  • BODHIDHARMA’S “VAST AND VOID”

    You want holy teachings boiled down, synthesized digestible in bites so dine on the holes nothing, emptiness is sustenance enough look at me, at a window as you do a mirror no knowing, a familiar face but whose? the face will depart yours or his you will awaken to endless absence learn no thingness overflowing…

    Lou Faber

  • DESHAN’S THIRTY BLOWS正法眼蔵 三十一

    If I come before the teacher he will give me thirty blows. If I do not come before the teacher he will give me thirty blows. It is the same for everyone, his arms never grow tired but if I never see my teacher, I give him thirty blows and my arms are suddenly heavy.…

    Lou Faber