Enlight Every question is wrong Rinzai once asked his senior student: — Say something about the Truth. The senior student approached Rinzai and hit him. He laughed and said: - That's right! You did well because you can't ask. After ... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Zen in the life of beggars Tosun was a well-known Zen Master of his time. He lived in several temples and taught in various provinces. The last temple he visited was so crowded with his devotees that Tosun told them he was goin... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Every Minute Zen Zen students study with Zen masters for at least 10 years before they are allowed to teach others. Tenno, who, having completed his apprenticeship, became a teacher, came to visit Nan-In. It was a rai... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Sincerity and naturalness One day a student asked the Teacher: - Teacher, I recently discussed the topic of sincerity and naturalness with friends, but as a result, everything was mixed up in my head. The teacher smiled: - And... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Zen pokers Master Hakuin used to tell his students about an old woman who ran a tea shop nearby. He praised and emphasized her deep understanding of Zen. And, as a rule, the students, intrigued by his story, soo... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Joshu orders the cup to be washed A certain monk addressed Joshu with these words: — I just entered the monastery. Give me your instructions. - Have you already eaten stew today? “Yes,” answered the monk. “Then go and wash your cup.” ... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Why did you come? A newcomer who came to the monastery to the famous Master asked one of the monks: — Why does living in a monastery next to the Master give me almost nothing? “Maybe it’s because you came to learn Zen ... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Those who don't work don't eat Haikujo, a Chinese Zen master, used to work with his students even at the age of 80: trimming bushes in the garden, clearing paths and pruning trees. The students felt guilty seeing the old teacher wo... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight The one who knows is silent The mystic came down from the mountain. The atheist asked him sarcastically: - What did you bring us from that wonderful garden you visited? The mystic replied: “I really wanted to bring a big armful ... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Life, not logic One day the monk Lin-chi surprised everyone. When his teacher died, Ling-chi burst into tears. He stood and tears flowed down his cheeks. His friends were perplexed: - What are you doing? There are so... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight The only smile in his life Mokugen was famous for never smiling until his very last hour on earth. When the time came to die, he said to his faithful disciples: — You studied with me for more than 10 years. Show me how you unde... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight The Zen of Storytelling Ento was a famous storyteller. His stories of love excited listeners. When he talked about the war, it seemed to his listeners that they themselves had been on the battlefield. One day Encho met Yamao... Parables Zen Parables
