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
Unmon’s “Two Diseases” Great Master Unmon said, “When the light does not penetrate, there are two diseases. Everything is unclear and things hang before you – this is one disease. Even after you have realized the emptiness of all things, … Continued
Tozan had a question about whether inanimate objects expound the dharma. Tozan visited Isan, who recommended that he go to see Ungan. With Ungan, Tozan was first made aware of the truth, and he composed the following gatha to record his experience: … Continued
Hogen, a Chinese Zen teacher, lived alone in a small temple in the country. One day four traveling monks appeared and asked if they might make a fire in his yard to warm themselves. While they were building the fire, … Continued