This iconic parable offers a profound lesson on radical generosity, detachment from material possessions, and recognising the boundless abundance of nature that can never be stolen. “Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the…
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Finding a piece of the truth
Sometimes, finding the truth is only the beginning. The real challenge is not turning that glimpse of truth into yet another belief. This delightful Zen tale reminds us how easily wisdom can…
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One-minute wisdom
“Is there such a thing as one-minute wisdom?” asked the disciples. “There certainly is,” said the Master. “But surely one minute is too brief?” “It is fifty-nine seconds too long.” To his…
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Who is greater?
Two disciples in an ashram started arguing on who is the greatest of the two. To put an end to the discussion, which was going on and on, they went to their…
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Not a minute to lose
When the Master heard that a neighbouring forest had been devastated by fire, he mobilised all his disciples. “We must replant the cedars,” he said. “The cedars?” exclaimed an incredulous disciple. “But…
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Universality
“The Master ordinarily dissuaded people from living in a monastery. “To profit from books you don’t have to live in a library,” he would say. Or, even more forcefully, “You can read…
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Gossip
A disciple confessed his bad habit of repeating gossip. Said the Master wickedly, “Repeating it wouldn’t be so bad if you did not improve on it.” Anthony de Mello More from http://www.soulwise.net/…
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Empty your cup
True wisdom cannot enter a mind crowded with preconceived opinions; to receive new understanding, we must first learn to unlearn and empty our cups. “Scholar Tokusan – who was full of knowledge…
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Concentration
After winning several archery contests, a young and rather boastful champion challenged a Zen master who was renowned for his skill as an archer. The young man demonstrated remarkable technical proficiency when…
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The saviour
Once there lived a village of creatures along the bottom of a great crystal river. The current of the river swept silently over them all – young and old, rich and poor,…
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Worse than a clown
There was a young monk in China who was a very serious practitioner of the Dharma. Once, this monk came across something he did not understand, so he went to ask the…
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In your hands
A young man caught a small bird and held it behind his back. He then asked, “Master, is the bird I hold in my hands alive or dead?” The boy thought this…