Enlight Empty boat Lin-chi said: When I was young, I liked to sail on a boat. I had a small boat: alone I would go sailing on the lake and could stay there for hours. One day I was sitting with my eyes closed and medita... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Lost my way One day Bankei's disciple said: — The Buddha’s radiance illuminates the Universe. Before he finished, the Master asked: —Are you reciting another verse? “Yes,” he answered. “You have lost your way,” B... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight No words needed Basho, a Zen Master, was once asked: — When talking with students, you speak, and at the same time speak against words. You say: “He who knows is silent!” But you are not silent. How to understand all... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight The Stingy Artist Hesse was a monk-artist. Before he began painting, he always insisted on being paid in advance and asked for a high price. He was known as a "miserly artist". One day a geisha commissioned him to pain... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Seun and his mother Seun was a Zen teacher of the Soto sect. While he was still a student, his father died, ordering him to take care of his old mother. Every time he went to the meditation hall, Seun took his mother wit... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Stingy training A young Tokyo doctor named Kusuda met a classmate who was now studying Zen. He asked him what it was. “I can’t tell you what it is,” the friend answered, “but I know one thing for sure.” If you unders... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Soldiers of humanity One day, one of the divisions of the Japanese army was participating in military exercises, and several officers found it necessary to station themselves at the Gazana Temple. Gazan said to his cook: ... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Freedom of choice Talking with the hermit, the merchant claimed that, thanks to his wealth, he was freed from the need to indulge someone else's desires or tastes. - That's how it is! - he exclaimed. - Well, when you c... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Dry leaves The new imperial garden was prepared for opening for three years. Finally, all the work was completed, and the emperor invited all the nobles to admire the beauty of the garden. Everyone was delighted... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Secret action The student asked Master Bankei: -What is Buddha's truth? Bankei replied: “Why don’t you ask about your own mind or yourself?” “Oh, Master,” said the student. - What am I? What should I learn? “You ne... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Buddha Nature The student asked Nagsen: — Buddhist scriptures claim that everything in the world is endowed with Buddha nature. Do I have Buddha nature? - No, you don’t! - Nagsen answered. The monk asked: - Do tree... Parables Zen Parables
Enlight Controversy A student came to a Zen master and asked: - Why are some people beautiful and others ugly, some smart and others stupid? Why is there such a contradiction? Why did God create some beautiful and others... Parables Zen Parables
