A Zen master was given a beautifully crafted crystal cup. It was a gift from a former student. He was very grateful. Every day, he enjoyed drinking out of his glass. He…
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Be the boss
This traditional Zen parable examines the psychological nature of habit energy and automatic behaviours. The brief narrative provides a striking allegory regarding self-mastery, intentional living, and reclaiming personal focus over mindless activity.…
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False harmony
The monk Chu Lai was beaten by a professor who did not believe anything he said. However, the professor’s wife was a follower of Chu Lai, and demanded that her husband had…
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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…
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The pointer
The Zen teacher’s dog loved his evening romp with his master. The dog would bound ahead to fetch a stick, then run back, wag his tail, and wait for the next game.…
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Paradise
Two men wander the desert, hopelessly lost. Tired and thirsty, they ascend a large sand dune – only to discover a giant stone wall. On the other side of the wall, they…
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Harmony
There is the story of a young martial arts student who was under the tutelage of a famous master. One day, the master was watching a practice session in the courtyard. He…
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The moon cannot be stolen
Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening, a thief visited the hut only to discover there was…
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Finding a piece of the truth
One day Mara, the Evil One, was traveling through the villages of India with his attendants. He saw a man doing meditation walking whose face was lit up with wonder. The man…
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How to deal with insults: The way of the Buddha
One day, the Buddha was walking through a village teaching Dhamma, when a very angry and rude young man belonging to another group of believers came up to him and began insulting…