Praise and the Tao
Among some monks a great discussion broke out regarding Taoism, that centered around a hypothetical question, a proposed response, and its insight to the Tao. The story is that a learned Taoist Master is told by another that he is very wise. How would the enlightened Master respond to the speaker? And how does his response reflect the Great Tao?
The Scribe
In Hongcun, a small village near the Yellow Mountains, there was a scribed named Yingpei. After a lifetime of training and practice, Yingpei had become a master of writing. His work was renowned and highly sought after.
The Thief
One evening, as the sun set gently between the mountains, Taoist Master Shichiri Kojun was reciting sutras in his small and humble home. Suddenly a thief with a sharp sword burst into his home demanding either his money or his life. Shichiri said to him, “Do not disturb me in meditation. You can find the money … Continue reading
The Journey
Tung Jin, the aging Taoist Master of a rural temple in the hills outside of Nanning, was beginning to feel the weight of the many years that had passed since his birth. Although his spirit was still strong, the day to day tasks in seeing to temple business and instructing his students were becoming more … Continue reading
Another Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a great Japanese Master of Zen during the Meiji era, received a university professor who had come to inquire about Zen. Upon arriving, the professor was shown to the formal tea house by Nan-in’s most faithful servant, Chujian. They followed the river stone path as it led through the garden to the tea house. … Continue reading
