101 Zen Story Discussion Thread

Yeah, I did read it - I like the imagery in the second part. The third part is the least clearest part for me, but I understand the general meaning. I think.

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(Dont try to be too clever)

 

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Not Clever

Firefly,
Good for you if you understand the first two!

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The third section speaks in part to the dual notions of being and not being that are one of the fundamental principles of zen. If its hard to grasp don't worry just look at it as 'this part is' and 'this part is not.'
Delving deeper, even 'what is' has a part that is 'what is not' AND 'what is not' has a part that is 'what is.' Visualize the dual nature displayed in the yin/yang circle.
Does that help without being too pedantic?

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Dave The Druid

 

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Firefly: I have to admit I am confused (again). I thought we
had already started to discuss a koan? You know, the sound
of one hand? Or is that not what you mean? Like I said, I am
confused.

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Dave: Regarding Lao Tzu - one of my favs.

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"Stop thinking, and end your problems."
-Lao Tzu

 

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I'm Glad

Evilpoet,
I'm glad you like the Lao Tzu.

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Do you think my previous post helps to clarify the sound of silence topic?

Dave the Druid

 

Dave,

Yes, I think it helps a lot. Thanks for posting it.

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I have to say though - the silence we are discussing is
not easily explained, it must be experienced. I think
once the inside is free of all noise than silence can be
heard loud and clear, do you agree?

 

Discussing the one too, though I kinda get it, in that silence is different to each listener. though when I think about it, I don't really get at all now.

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I think I'm thinking too hard ...

 

Firefly,

Your doing fine imo, just keep at it.

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I am curious - do you meditate?

 

Silence

Yes, absolutely!
I think a certain amout of meditation helps here at least that's how I came to the expirence.
Dave the Druid

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I was going through some links that I had saved and
came across these. Thought I would pass them along.
Enjoy!

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A Dialogue on Zen Koans

Daily Zen

Tricycle: Daily Dharma

Sacred Texts: Buddhism

 

Request

Lykan,

I really like this quote by William Blake: "If the doors of
perception were cleansed every thing would appear to
man as it is, infinite." - do you happen to know of a Zen
story/koan that fits it? If so, could you please post it?

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I came across this a while back;


" Zen in its essence is the art of seeing into the nature of one's
own being, and it points the way from bondage to freedom.
By making us drink right from the fountain of life, it liberates us
from all the yokes under which we finite beings are usually
suffering in this world. "

Daisetz T. Suzuki
(1870-1966)
Japanese professor of philosophy

from; Zen Buddhism (1956)

 

Very nice quote stray dog, thanks for posting it. I enjoyed
reading Essays in Zen Buddhism, lots of food for thought
imo.

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Here is another quote that I like:

"When the cloud of ignorance disappears, the infinity of the
heavens is manifested, where we see for the first time into
the nature of our own being." -D. T. Suzuki

 

EvilPoet,

that is beautiful... and so important.

Thanks again for the Zen fix, I have been too busy
lately to take time to reflect on where I am in my life,
your postings have been a pleasure.

 

stray dog,

You are very welcome for the Zen fix, thank you for the kind words.
I know what you mean about being busy, it does seem to be difficult
to find the calm amidst the storm of life. I think taking a step back to
get some perspective now and again is important, but as with most
things along these lines, it is much easier said than done.

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Take care,
EvilPoet

 

Good thoughts

Welcome Stray Dog and Good morning Evilpoet,
I try to incorporate a little zen into every day. Even if it's small things like watching the wind in the trees or noticing the pattern of clouds.

Snow falls loudly on
Silent ground groaning
Snow plow covers parked car

Dave the Druid

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No. I've tried but it doens't really work. Maybe I'm trying too hard though!

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Relax!

Firefly,
Good on you for trying!

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If I might suggest, relaxation is part of meditation. Try this, concentrate on something simple, say a single flower and allow yourself to relax as you consider the flower in it's entirety.

I came to meditate from the martial arts but went deeper after I started my own joruney down the path. I know take time to meditate a little each day.

This link might help, and also check out the links that Evilpoet posted. They are good resources.


http://www.ciolek.com/WWWVLPages/ZenPages/Daily-Zen-Sutras.html


Dave the Druid

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Good Morning Dave,

Your poem reminds me of the time I lived in Michigan (about 5 yrs ago). I remember many a winter morning being awakened by the sound of a snowplow as it crashed through the morning silence. Sort of a curse and a blessing at the same time, if you know what I mean.

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I noticed that you made mention of wind, clouds and trees in the other thread, imo nature has a lot to say if only we would sit down and listen. It also reminded me a Chinese proverb: In nature there are unexpected storms; in life there are unpredictable vicissitudes.

Thanks for the poem, this one also goes very well with my morning cup of java.

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Firefly,

Are you interested in meditating? If not, that might be the problem right there. If so, it is like trying to understand the koans/stories, sometimes it take awhile. I know this stuff can be frustrating, just keep at it and you will be fine imo. If you haven't already, you might want to check out this thread.

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Thanks

Good morning Evilpoet

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I felt a little guilty about that poem, not my best effort.
I do enjoy the natural aspect and connectedness of zen. It helps me to be more attentive to the world.
Dave the Druid