an old writer and his words

  • Atop the Pole 無門關 四十六

    Sitting atop a hundred foot poleyou are convinced there areonly two directions: pole and down.Old Osho asks, how will you proceedand you stare back at this lunatic.How will you proceed, he repeats? You release the polestep slowly away, lookingat ten directions before you,you move your feet, each onetouches the path of eachof the three worlds…

    Lou Faber

  • Bodhidharma’s Mind 無門關 四十一

    Walk slowly up to Bodhidharmabut do not pull him awayfrom the wall before which he sits.Keep your arms close about youlest you cannot graspwhat he will ask. Hold tight to your mndfor it will grow still onlyas it slips through your fingersWhen you see it fade awaySamadhi bathes you. A reflection on Case 41 of…

    Lou Faber

  • A BUFFALO PASSES 無門關 三十八

    Staring out, watch the bullwalk slowly pastalong the old road.Marvel at his horns,the flare of his nostrilsin his massive head,his breath hangingin the early morning chill. Mark each leg, itsmuscles rippling, as it passes.You feel you know the beastbut only if you close your eyescan you grasp its tail. A reflection on Case 38 of…

    Lou Faber

  • THE GIRL COMES OUT 無門關 四十二

    She sits undisturbedShakyamuni by her side.You can wave at her, shewill pay you no mind. You cannot grasp her mindand maintain a holdon your own, you will growdeaf from the chatterbut a child can curlat her feet and shewill stroke his foreheadin perfect Samadhi. A reflection on case 42 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate) koans.

    Lou Faber

  • SHUZAN’S SHIPPEI 無門關 四十三

    Osho holds up a staff and cradles a small long haired dog. What do you call these, he asks the gathered assembly in both fact and reality? A chattering din brings the hall to silence, until the ghost of Joshu unfolds himself, strides to the zendo door, and while bowing, shouts MU! A reflection on…

    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

  • Think Neither Good Nor Evil 無門關 二十三

    A robe is infinitely heavy, the mountain weighs less than a feather you can move neither but the you before you carries both like a breath. A reflection on Case 23 of the Mumonkan (the Gateless Gate Koans)

    Lou Faber

  • WHEN YOU MEET A MAN 無門關 三十六

    On the road, you will meet many. Greet each with a silence that speaks loudly. All of the books of the dharma are contained in a single gassho. A reflection on Case 36 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate) Koans

    Lou Faber

  • MU

    If you ask me whether a dog has buddha nature I will stare back at you in total silence. If you ask again, or implore an answer I will smile at you, offer gassho and a bow. If you ask yet again, I will turn away and you will be left with a box into…

    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