The Tunnel
Zenkai, the son of a samurai, journeyed to Edo and there became the retainer of a high official. He fell in love with the official’s wife and was discovered. In self-defence, he slew the official. Then he ran away with … Continued
The Sound of One Hand
The master of Kennin temple was Mokurai, Silent Thunder. He had a little protégé named Toyo who was only twelve years old. Toyo saw the older disciples visit the master’s room each morning and evening to receive instruction in sanzen … Continued
How Grass and Trees Become Enlightened?
This is an enlightening Zen story. During the Kamakura period, Shinkan studied Tendai six years and then studied Zen seven years; then he went to China and contemplated Zen for thirteen years more. When he returned to Japan many desired … Continued
Where does the Real Buddha Dwell?
Once, Kyozan said to his master Isan, ”where does the real buddha dwell?” Isan replied, ”By means of the subtlety of thoughtless thought, contemplate the boundless spiritual brightness. Contemplate it Until returning to the ground of being, the always abiding … Continued
Zen in a Beggar’s Life
Tosui was a well-known Zen teacher of his time. He had lived in several temples and taught in various provinces. The last temple he visited accumulated so many adherents that Tosui told them he was going to quit the lecture … Continued