‘Baizhang said: “I want someone to go and tell something to Xitang.” Wufeng said: “I’ll go.” Baizhang said: “How will you speak to him?” Wufeng said: “I’ll wait until I see Xitang, then I’ll speak.” Baizhang said: “What will you say?” Wufeng said: When I come back, I’ll tell you.”‘ (Zen’s Chinese Heritage)
‘Changqing asked Baofu Congzhan, “Seeing form is no other than seeing mind. Do you see a boat?” Baofu said, “Yes I do.” Changqing said, “Putting the boat aside, what is mind?” Baofu pointed at the boat.’ (Shinji Shobogenzo) He might as well have been looking at a cypress tree…
‘Speak what cannot be practiced. Practice what cannot be spoken.’ (Shinji Shobogenzo)
‘One day Master Isan Reiyu was asked by a monk, “What is the truth?” Master Isan said, “Not to have an intentional idea is the truth.” The monk said, “I cannot understand your words.” Master Isan said, “It is good to know there is something that cannot be understood.” The monk said, “In what state […]
I was sad to read that Tetsugen Bernie Glassman had died. His role in the expansion of American zen, especially into the realms of social action, was of great importance, and will outlive him. I was reminded of that recently when I re-read Instructions to the Cook, with its mix of the practical and the traditional. He […]
‘Shoushan said to the assembly, “If you attain at the first phrase, you will be teacher of buddhas and patriarchs. If you attain at the second phrase, you will be teacher of humans and gods. If you attain at the third phrase, you cannot even save yourself.” A monk asked, “At which phrase did you […]
‘Enclosing the universe in the heavens, judging grains and ounces at a glance, not involved in the conditions of spring – how do you attain this?’ He answered himself, ‘One arrow smashes three barriers.’ (quoted in The Book of Serenity) This refers back to Baizhang’s view.
