Zen
773701258057072640
The Voice of Happiness
After Bankei had passed away, a blind man who lived near the master’s
temple told a friend: “Since I am blind, I cannot watch a person’s
face, so I must judge his character by the sound of his voice.
Ordinarily when I hear someone congratulate another upon his happiness
or success, I also hear a secret tone of envy. When condolence is
expressed for the misfortune of another, I hear pleasure and
satisfaction, as if the one condoling was really glad there was
something left to gain in his own world.”“In all my experience, however, Bankei’s voice was always sincere.
Whenever he expressed happiness, I heard nothing but happiness, and
whenever he expressed sorrow, sorrow was all I heard.”
773068630863822848
How Grass and Trees Become Enlightened
During the Kamakura period, Shinkan studied Tendai six years and then studied Zen seven years; then he went to China and contemplated Zen for thirteen years more.
When he returned to Japan many desired to interview him and asked obscure questions. But when Shinkan received visitors, which was infrequently, he seldom answered their questions.
One day a fifty-year-old student of enlightenment said to Shinkan: “I have studied the Tendai school of thought since I was a little boy, but one thing in it I cannot understand. Tendai claims that even the grass and trees will become enlightened. To me this seems very strange.”
“Of what use is it to discuss how grass and trees become enlightened?” asked Shinkan. “The question is how you yourself can become so. Did you even consider that?”
“I never thought of it that way,” marveled the old man.
“Then go home and think it over,” finished Shinkan.
772485995896635392
New Year’s Eve with Ajahn Brahm | 31 December 2024
772441282768486400
“The true purpose [of Zen] is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes.”
— Shunryu Suzuki
772441292413206528
“The true purpose [of Zen] is to see things as they are, to observe things as they are, and to let everything go as it goes.”
— Shunryu Suzuki
772435784827535360
The Gates of Paradise
A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuin, and asked: “Is there really a paradise and a hell?”
“Who are you?” inquired Hakuin.
“I am a samurai,” the warrior replied.
“You, a soldier!” exclaimed Hakuin. “What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar.”
Nobushige became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin
continued: “So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull
to cut off my head.”As Nobushige drew his sword Hakuin remarked: “Here open the gates of hell!”
At these words the samurai, perceiving the master’s discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed.
“Here open the gates of paradise,” said Hakuin.
772335480005115904
Guided Meditation | Ajahn Brahmali | 4 January 2025
771781683919847424
“Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual everyday routine.”
— Shunryu Suzuki
771781408173768705
Temper
A Zen student came to Bankei and complained: “Master, I have an ungovernable temper. How can I cure it?”
“You have something very strange,” replied Bankei. “Let me see what you have.”
“Just now I cannot show it to you,” replied the other.
“When can you show it to me?” asked Bankei.
“It arises unexpectedly,” replied the student.
“Then,” concluded Bankei, “it must not be your own true nature. If it were, you could show it to me at any time. When you were born you did not have it, and your parents did not give it to you. Think that over.”
771514410702438400
How to Let Go and Forgive – Zen Habits Website
“Forgiveness does not mean you erase the past, or forget what has happened. It doesn’t even mean the other person will change his behavior – you cannot control that. All it means is that you are letting go of the anger and pain, and moving on to a better place.”
754753163437965312
The Voice of Happiness
After Bankei had passed away, a blind man who lived near the master’s temple told a friend: “Since I am blind, I cannot watch a person’s face, so I must judge his character by the sound of his voice. Ordinarily when I hear someone congratulate another upon his happiness or success, I also hear a secret tone of envy. When condolence is expressed for the misfortune of another, I hear pleasure and satisfaction, as if the one condoling was really glad there was something left to gain in his own world.
“In all my experience, however, Bankei’s voice was always sincere. Whenever he expressed happiness, I heard nothing but happiness, and whenever he expressed sorrow, sorrow was all I heard.”
754036948359938048
‘The art of Zen’ education resource: History of Zen Buddhism
“Zen is a school of Buddhism which emphasises the practice of meditation as the key ingredient to awakening ones inner nature, compassion and wisdom. The practice of meditation (Zen in Japanese) as a means of attaining enlightenment was introduced, as we have seen, by the Buddha himself. Zen approached Buddhism in the most direct, simple and practical way. It grasped that enlightenment was the most fundamental aspect of Buddhism and thus did away with sacred scriptures, rituals and objects of worship, all of which had become a major aspect of Mahayana Buddhism in India.”
753538699337269248
The Origins of Zen
In Zen Buddhism, the main goal is not exactly “Nirvana” as understood in some other Buddhist traditions. Instead, Zen focuses on achieving “satori” or “kensho,” which are terms for enlightenment or awakening. This awakening is a direct, experiential realization of one’s true nature or the true nature of reality.
While Nirvana in broader Buddhist context often refers to the liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and the end of suffering, Zen emphasizes a more immediate and experiential understanding. Zen practice involves meditation (zazen), mindfulness, and direct experience, often guided by a teacher, to awaken to the present moment and one’s true self.
In essence, while both Zen and other Buddhist traditions aim for enlightenment and liberation, Zen’s approach is more focused on direct, immediate experience and awakening in the present moment.
By ChatGPT
746742346391191552
“Let me give you a wonderful Zen practice. Wake up in the morning…look in the mirror, and laugh at yourself.”
— Bernie Glassman