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CLIFFSIDE AGAIN: HEKIGANROKU CASE 5
HSUEH FENG’S GRAIN OF RICE It is not the seeing but the looking that will drive you to the edge. It is easy to see, you hardly need eyes for that task, but to look is beyond seeing. Do you think this a mere grain of rice? Look closely, do you see the entire world?…
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ANOTHER VISIT TO SHOBOGENZO
YANGSHAN’S NO ENLIGHTENMENT Within nothing there are all things, within all things there is nothing. The Buddha asks in your binary electronic world how can I count on you to survive if zero is taken from you. NANYUE POLISHES A BRICK There is no reason to sit zazen, it is worthless yet it cannot be…
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THREE MORE VIEWS OF THE SHOBOGENZO
BASO’S HEART SUTRA When my teacher asks of my practice I shall be still for the eye speaks volumes and the mouth sees all that lies before it. HŌON’S AWAKENING A fool always asks how do I get to where will I find what will come. A wise man can swallow an ocean in a…
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MORE MUSIC OF THE FLUTE
UMMON’S FEAST 鐵笛倒吹 七 Sitting in the deep well of silence feel the old patriarchs dancing on top of your head, look down under the weight of their wisdom., to the earth and stare deeply into their eyes. But how will you go make a feast for the never sated gods? Lie on the earth,…
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THREE CONVERSATIONS WITH BUDDHA
I How do you make an axe handle if you have no axe? Sharpen your mind. II How do you hear a tree fall in the forest if you are in the city? Turn a deaf ear. III How do you find the path to enlightenment if you have no…
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THROUGH THE GATE: FURTHER REFLECTIONS ON THE MUMONKON
The Beardless Barbarian 無門關 四 A young child has no beard. In one dream you are bearded and awake clean shaven. In one dream you are clean shaven and awake rubbing your long beard. When you meet your dreams and when your dreams meet you, which is real, Wakuan…
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THE FLUTE PLAYER PLAYS ON
HYAKUREI’S ATTAINMENT 鐵笛倒吹 四 Sitting with a monk at the feet of the master when his mouth opens what will you hear? If you both see a sudden light will you say something when asked? Walk slowly away from questions and keep your answers tucked away in your straw hat and lit all be…
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THREE NOTES FROM THE IRON FLUTE
MANJUSHRI ENTERS THE GATE 鐵笛倒吹 一 Like Manjushri, stand still outside the gate and listen for the call of Buddha from within. When he calls, answer but is Buddha inside and you without? There is nothing at all to see, and the gate has fallen from its hinges so answer yourself carefully. …
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STANDING AT THE GATE: REFLECTIONS ON THE MUMONKON
Joshu’s Dog 無門關 一 There is no question nor dog nor Buddha-nature. There is no thing In the far corner Joshu barks loudly. Hyakujo’s Fox 無門關 二 The old, crippled fox crawled slowly from the mouth of the dark cave. Sidling up to Hayakujo the old monk said to fox, “think…
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Where?
Walk slowly down the path. Note the stones along the way. Step on them, or over them, the choice is yours. The sky is still above you, there is no reason to look up. Do not seek a map, for at best it will say “You Are Here!” As if you could be anywhere else. With…
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an old writer and his words 