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Category: koan

In Zen Buddhism, enigmatic or paradoxical questions used by teachers to develop students’ intuition. Also refers to religious problems encountered in daily life.

  • Moon rises slowly

    The moon rises slowly over the highest peak;
    I stand there quietly for a long time and
    My robe becomes moist with dew.
    ~ Ryokan (1758-1831)

  • see truth face to face

    Do not accept anything simply
    Because it has been said
    By your teacher,
    Or because it has been written
    In your sacred book,
    Or because it has been
    Believed by many,
    Or because it has been
    Handed down by your
    Ancestors.
    Accept and live only
    According to what will enable
    You to see truth face to face.
    ~ Buddha

  • boundless mind

    You do not need to contemplate
    your action and to purify your mind.
    Let your mind be boundless
    and without any obstruction.
    ~ Fa-yung (593-657)

  • the mind does not decrease

    All of you should penetrate your own minds;
    do not record my words.
    Even if principles as numerous as the sands of the Ganges are spoken of,
    the mind does not increase.
    And if nothing is said,
    the mind does not decrease.
    – Ma-tsu (709-788)

  • there is nothing I dislike

    “The true practitioner of the Way completely transcends all things. Even if heaven and earth were to tumble down, I would have no misgivings. Even if all the buddhas in the ten directions were to appear before me, I would not rejoice. Even if the three hells were to appear before me, I would have no fear. Why is this so? Because there is nothing I dislike.”

    – Linji Yixuan
    .

  • An autumn night

    An autumn night.
    Don’t think your life,
    didn’t matter.
    – Basho

  • Live close to the ground

    In dwelling, live close to the ground.
    In thinking, keep to the simple.
    In conflict, be fair and generous.
    In governing, don’t try to control.
    In work, do what you enjoy.
    In family life, be completely present.

    – Tao Te Ching

  • Study only death

    A recluse came and asked: “What is the primary concern in religious practice?”

    The Master responded: “Put everything aside and only study death. Always study death, free yourself from death, and when death really comes you will not be flustered. In order to save others, knowledge is necessary. For your own salvation, however, whatever knowledge you have grasped becomes your enemy. Just be mindless as earth; recite the nenbutsu (praise to Amida Buddha) and study death.”

    Suzuki Shosan (1579 –1655)
    From Warrior Zen – The Diamond-hard Wisdom Mind of Suzuki Shosan

  • The more is hidden, the more appears

    The more is hidden, the more appears

  • We are what we think

    We are what we think.

    All that we are arises with our thoughts.

    With our thoughts we make the world.

    – Bhudda