an old writer and his words

  • YAKUSAN TAKES THE HIGH SEAT

    When you sit at the footof the teacher, whatdo you expect to hear? You dare not ask him questionsfor you know hewill give you no answers. If he sits silentlysmile for he hasgiven youthe wholeof the Dharma. A reflection on case 7 of the Book of Equanimity

    Lou Faber

  • YAKUSAN’S DISCOURSE

    When the master takes his seatwhat do you expect of him?Do you watch his postureor how his hands are set.Do you stare at his lipsand what do you hearwhen they move, but no soundcomes from his throat.Listen carefully, for herethe dharma unfoldslike the first chrysanthemum. A reflection on Case 79 of the Shobogenzo (Dogen’s True…

    Lou Faber

  • YAKUSAN SOLVES A PROBLEM 鐵笛倒吹 三十三

    If you want to ask of the path, do so, only without breaking the silence of the zendo. Seek the answer in a library without books, take sustenance from an empty bowl. Bodhi is a glittering gem that cannot be seen that cannot be held— do not stumble over it. A reflection on Case 33…

    Lou Faber

  • LISTENING TO THE FLUTE

    YAKUSAN HOLDS IT         鐵笛倒吹 十  Sit just above the peak of the highest mountain and reach up with open fingers, what will you grasp? Walk slowly across the floor of  the deepest sea, what do you see below you? If you have three daughters is any one less beautiful than the others?   JOSHU COVERS…

    Lou Faber