an old writer and his words

  • RINZAI’S TRUE MAN

    If I ask youwho you are, howwill you answer?If you give me your name,that is not the answerfor your name is a wordand you are not a word.If you tell me whatyou have done, thatis not the answer,for those are actions.If you sit silentlyon the cushionthat is the answer. A reflection on Case 38 of…

    Lou Faber

  • ISAN’S KARMIC CONSCIOUSNESS

    If the Master sees youand calls out your name,will you answer?If you ask him a questionand he does not respond,is that his answer?And if he does answerhow do you knowif the answer is correct?If you ask him nothingall his answers are perfect. A reflection on Case 37 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • BASO’S ILLNESS

    If I ask youhow long weboth will live,how will you answer?The answeris simple, buthidden, for we bothwill live untilthe momentwe do not,and there isonly this momentanyway. A reflection on Case 36 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • RAKUHO’S ACQUIESENCE

    When you are calledto sit before the masterwhat do you say to him?If you both sit in silencea great conversation transpires.If you ask him questionshe will have no answersand show you to the door. A reflection on Case 35 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • FUKETSU’S SPECK OF DUST

    Sitting on the cushionwhen you think,there is only this thoughtand the next thought,and the cushionhas no purpose.When there isno thought, there isonly this momentand the cushionis the entire world. A reflection on Case 34 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • SANSHO’S GOLDEN CARP

    When you sitbefore your teacherif you ask him a questionhe will return only silence.If you listento his silence closelythe dharmawill be revealed to you.A large stonethat rolls easilymay not be lifted. A reflection on Case 33 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • SANSHO’S GOLDEN CARP

    If you askyour teacherto show you the Dharmahe will lookat you and remainsilent.If you asknothingof your teacherhe willshow youthe wholeof the Dharma. A reflection on Case 33 of the Book of Equanimity (Shoyoroku 従容錄)

    Lou Faber

  • UMMON’S FREE-STANDING PILLAR

    When you askhow you can getfrom where you areto Nirvanaa wise teacher willtell you there isno there.There is only hereand this is Nirvana.Then he will askyou the greater question–who are you really?How will you answer? A reflection on Case 31 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • DAIZUI’S KALPA FIRE

    If you ask your teacherif the catin Schrodinger’s boxhis dead,he will saythe cat is dead .If you ask your teacherif the catin Schrodinger’s boxis dead,he will saythe cat is not dead.Dead and not dead ,both the same A reflection on Case 30 of the Book of Equanimity (従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber

  • FUKETSU’S IRON OX

    If you ask your teacherto give you the Dharmawhat do you expect ?But what if youtake it from him,what will youleave him with?If you find ityourself, thenyou are his heir. A reflection on Case 29 of the Book of Eq uanimity ( 従容錄, Shōyōroku)

    Lou Faber