He asked: “Will all my earthly desires disappear if I practiced here?” Master answered: “No way! Your earthly desires will never perish. But they will start shining” A phrase from a dialogue between Fujita Issho, Zen practitioner, and Hoshina Machiko, … Continue reading
“In Zen Buddhism, mind exists before the matter?” Professor Lichtenberg asks…
The Zen insights go far deeper into the source of life, where Zen is truly religious. By this I mean Zen is in close touch with Reality; indeed, Zen takes hold of it and lives it, and this is where … Continue reading
The cult of wabi has entered deeply into the cultural life of the Japanese people. It is in truth the worshiping of poverty—probably a most appropriate cult in a poor country like ours. Despite the modern Western luxuries and comforts … Continue reading
Wabi really means “poverty”. To be poor, that is, not to be dependent on things worldly— wealth, power, and reputation— and yet to feel inwardly the presence of something of the highest value, above time and social position: that is … Continue reading
This could arguably be one of Koetsu’s best works. Although, whether to praise it without any questions remains unclear to me.
Heard someone say “We do more, if we do less”
I heard so many say so. Heard a japan craftsman says, that he can find infinitive shades within just one colour of black. A zen monk says, we can only train ourselves freely under an absolute constrainment.
Where do you find your God? Rather, do you ever seek God? Would you think I’m arrogant to believe there is God within me?
An ascetic monk comes home very excited. He tells his mum how he was praised by someone for his behaviour. He wanted her to be proud of him. However, his mum didn’t even smile. She continued to say “If you’re … Continue reading
Crossing Point 