To a pioneering spirit who was discouraged by frequent criticism, the Master said, “Listen to the words of the critic. He reveals what your friends hide from you.”But he also said, “Do…
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Myths
The Master gave his teaching in parables and stories, which his disciples listened to with pleasure — and occasional frustration, for they longed for something deeper. The Master was unmoved. To all…
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Damned devotee
The devotee knelt to be initiated into discipleship. The Guru whispered the sacred mantra into his ear, warning him not to reveal it to anyone. “What will happen if I do?” asked…
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Empty your cup
Scholar Tokusan – who was full of knowledge and opinions about dharma — came to Master Ryutan and asked about Zen. At one point, Master Ryutan re-filled his guest’s tea cup but…
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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…
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The order of things
A rich man asked a Zen master to write something down that could ensure the prosperity of his family for years to come. It would be something that the family could cherish…
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Egotism
The Prime Minister of the Tang Dynasty was a national hero for his success both as a statesman and a military leader. But, despite his fame, power and wealth, he considered himself…