Ryokan devoted his life to the study of Zen. One day he heard that his nephew, despite the admonitions of relatives, was spending his money on a courtesan. Inasmuch as the nephew had taken Ryokan’s place in managing the family … Continued
This is a beautiful Zen story about the state of deep meditation in which mind gets dissolved in meditation that even meditation doesn’t exist at all, only remains nothingness. Once Bokuju (Zen Monk) was meditating, meditating very deeply, meditating with … Continued
A professor of philosophy went to a Zen Master, Nan-in, and he asked about God, about nirvana, about meditation, and so many things, and the Master listened silently – questions and questions and questions. And then he said, ”You look tired. You … Continued
Great Enlightenment Rinzai asked Ôbaku, “What is the great meaning of the Buddha-Dharma?” Ôbaku hit him. This happened three times. Rinzai then took his leave and went to see Daigu. Daigu asked, “Where have you come from?” Rinzai said, “From Ôbaku.” Daigu … Continued
In early times in Japan, bamboo-and-paper lanterns were used with candles inside. A blind man, visiting a friend one night, was offered a lantern to carry home with him. “I do not need a lantern,” he said. “Darkness or light … Continued