an old writer and his words

  • YANTOU’S SIT STILL

    When sitting on the zafuif you try not to thinkyou are thinking.If you sit and breathein the silenceeverything will appearbefore you andin that momentyou will see nothing. A reflection on case 75 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • ZHAOZHOU ROTATES THE CANNON

    If you ask a masterhow to become a Buddhahe will say, simply,that you are one,but, he will add,if you knowthat you areyou will nevertruly be a Buddha. A reflection on case 74 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • MIMOYAN’S PITCHFORK

    When you sitbefore the teacherand he asks whatis it you seekfrom him, if you answerhe will say he cannotgive you whatyou already have.If you say nothingand stay silenthe will say the worldis all yours. A reflection on case 73 of the Shobogenzo, Dogen’s True Dharma Eye 正法眼蔵

    Lou Faber

  • TOZAN’S NOT BUDDHA

    Wherever you areyou are there,but if youarrive thereand there isno there,despite youbeing there,where are you? A Reflection on Case 72 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • SOZAN’S RAISING LIVESTOCK

    In an open fieldif I come upona wild oxand place a yokeon its neck.Is it the yokeor the oxor is it Ithat is tamed? A reflection on Case 70 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • FAMILIES USE IT DAILY

    If I ask you awhere you are standingwhat will you answer?If I ask youwhere I am standingwhat will you answer?If I ask you aif we are standingin the same placeand you answer yesa blow from the stick,if you answer noa blow from the stick,if you answer nothinga blow from the stick. A reflection on Case…

    Lou Faber

  • JOSHU’S WASH THE BOWL

    In the early morningwelcome the sun,as the day retreatswelcome the sun.When you are walkingalong the garden pathwhich foot is forwardand which footis behind? A reflection on case 67 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • GENSHA’S SEAMLESS STUPA

    If you pet a dragondoes it become a cat?If you make a cat roardoes it become a dragon?How highis over your head,how deepis beneath your feet.Build it just so. A reflection on Case 60 of Dogen’s Shobogenzo Koans (True Dharma Eye)

    Lou Faber

  • HIMAGAN’S PITCHFORK

    If you go in searchof the way, youmay come across a sage.He will ask youwhy you seek it.If you answer,he will strikea deadly blow,if you do not answerhe will strikea deadly blow.Grasp his armsand carry himwith you. A reflection on Case 73 of the Shobogenzo (True Dharma Eye) Koans

    Lou Faber

  • JOSHU ROTATES THE CANON

    If you ask meto grasp the DharmaI will read each wordas I unroll the scroll,but that is but a small partof grasping it.The rolling up,the placing back,the bow and the returnto my waiting cushion,each is a reverent grasping. A reflection on Case 74 of the Shobogenzo (True Dharma Eye) Koans

    Lou Faber