Tag: zen

  • It’s like riding a cow to return home

    Finding a teacher to learn the truth Is nothing special It’s like riding a cow to return home. If you can stride freely atop A hundred foot pole Countless buddhas will only be Sparks in your eyes. ~ Buhyu Sunsoo (1543-1615)

  • Know there is nothing to know

    Use the wisdom of a diamond to control and rule it, since just like a plant, there is nothing to know. To know there is nothing to know is the wisdom to know everything. ~ Tao-shin (580-651)

  • Is there anything else to remember?

    I only open my eyes for the spring wind And the autumn moon. ~ Hamhur Kiwha (1376-1433)

  • Don’t covet

    Not knowing its strength, The mosquito sucked too much blood to fly. Don’t covet what others value. You’ll pay for it someday. ~ Naong Haegun (1320-1376)

  • The essential technique of zazen

    If random thoughts should occur to you unexpectedly, let them go straight away. Do not follow them. This is the essential technique of zazen.

  • The valley stream

    Rain, hail, snow, and ice: All are different, But when they fall They become the same water As the valley stream. – Ikkyu (1394-1481)

  • Dust in the eye

    One grain of dust in the eye Will render the Three Worlds Too small to see ~ Muso Soseki (1275-1351)

  • Wandering

    My treasure is the cloud on the peak The moon over the valley Travelling east or west Light and free on the one road I don’t know whether I’m on the way Or at home. ~ Muso Soseki (1275-1351)

  • Lifetimes seldom fill a hundred years

    I live far off in the wild Where moss and woods Are thick and plants perfumed I can see mountains rain or shine And never hear market noise I light a few leaves in my stove to heat tea To patch my robe I cut off a cloud Lifetimes seldom fill a hundred years Why […]

  • leave the world behind

    I’ve left the world far behind, My robe is covered with moss; A small bundle of firewood burns, Brightening the night. ~ Ryokan (1758-1831)