She noticed the gecko
long before we did, stalked it
across the lanai, finally
separating the tail, seeming
to know it would grow another,
this game to be replayed
on another morning, then
stopped, inviting me
to capture the small lizard,
gently release him outside,
good karma I imagine
knowing well I could use it.
Technology has effectively
destroyed the intimate
dinner parties that once
were the core of a social life.
You fretted over whether
the souffle would collapse,
if the wine was chilled
to the right temperature,
if the entree was back timed
sufficiently to allow time
for the hors d’oeuvres
and if the guests would
arrive at the scheduled time.
Now it is a fear that Grubhub
or Doordash will be late,
that you must remember
to hide the packaging from
the heat and serve appetizers
and if it will be nice enough
to eat outside, or if you will
need to check vaccination cards.
If I ask you
“does a circle
have both inside
and outside,” what do you say.
If you cut it into
three pieces, which
has inside, which outside
and what of the third?
A reflection on Case 55 of the True Dharma Eye (Shobogenzo) Koans
Inward but not outward
a broken stick
Outward but no inward
a broken stick
A partridge sings
in silence
flowers bloom
at midnight
Fuketsu smiles knowingly.
A reflection on case 24 of the Mumonkan (Gateless Gate)
Standing outside the Temple
there is much to see.
Enter the Temple zendo
prostrate three times before
the golden Buddha
what do you see?
Can you see nothing?
Outside the Temple, Buddha
inside the Temple, Buddha
but only when you see nothing.
Outside the mind, nothing,
inside the mind, nothing.
All Buddha.
If you see a turtle
does it seem odd
it wears bones outside?
Does the turtle
live within these bones
and where do you go
to hide from bright light..
If you place a sandal
on your head
which end will be walking?
A reflection on Case 17 of the Iron Flute Koans
When you peer through the glass
are you looking out, or
are you looking in, and how
would you know which is true,
and does it matter.
When you walk through a gate
are you entering or leaving.
If you ask where the gate
is located, you cannot find
where you are going,
for all gates lead nowhere
except where you are,
and if you are not at the gate
you might as well
just look through a window
and ask yourself should you
look in or out of the window
to find the missing gate?
How long have you searched
for the ultimate truth, the key
that will unlock
the door to enlightenment?.
Would you know such a key
if it were handed to you?
You go about asking teachers
if they would give you the key,
but the wisest of the sages
would gladly tell you
that you need no key,
for the door you seek
so very hard to enter
does not keep you outside
of the place where your truth
can be found, for it is always
with you if you would just
give up searching and see it.
If you ask me
to write on paper all
that I know of zen
I will hand to you
three empty sheets.
Study them carefully
for upon them
the Dharma waits
to be seen.
I will draw you a circle
almost complete
a bounded space
having neither inside
nor outside, another
gateless gate.
A reflection on Case 49 of the Iron Flute (Tetteki Tosui)
If I ask you
“Does a circle
have both inside
and outside?” what do you say?
If you cut it into
three pieces,
which has inside,
which has outside
and what of the third?
A reflection on case 55 of the Shobogenzo (Dogen’s True Dharma Eye)
an old writer and his words 