Zen Story: Carry On
Two Zen monks, Tanzan and Ekido, were traveling on a pilgrimage. It was raining heavily and the streets were muddy. As the two monks neared a bend, they saw a...
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Zen Story: Heaven & Hell
“I want to know about heaven and hell,” said the samurai. “Do they really exist?” he asked Hakuin. Hakuin looked at the soldier and asked, “Who are you?” “I am...
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Zen Story: Heads or Tails
It was an important battle. The Japanese general decided to launch an attack though his army was sadly outnumbered. Although he was confident of victory, his men were filled with...
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Zen Story: Can You Make Me Obey You?
The great Zen Master, Bankei, was renowned for his talks. People of all sects and ranks came to listen to him because he spoke from his heart. Bankei was much-respected...
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Zen Story: First Principle
The Obaku temple in Kyoto has a carving over the gate which says “The First Principle”. The 200-year-old carving, with exceptionally large letters, is admired by many as a masterpiece...
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Zen Story: Ah! It’s So Sweet!
A man was walking across a field when he saw a tiger. Fearing for his life, the man fled, but the tiger gave chase. The man reached the edge of...
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Zen Story: What’s the difference?
Zen master Ryokan was walking on the beach. A storm had just blown over. Hundreds of starfish had been washed up by the waves; they were beginning to die in...
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Zen Story: Enlightenment
An Emperor asked the old Zen master, “What happens to an enlightened man after death?” The master replied, “I would not know.” “But you are a Zen Master!” exclaimed the...
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Zen Story: Walking on water
Three monks sat by a lake, deep in meditation. One stood up and said, “I’ve forgotten my mat.” Stepping on to the waters before him, he walked across to the...
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Zen Story: True Nature
An old man meditating by the riverside opened his eyes to see a scorpion flailing helplessly in the water. The water washed the scorpion nearer to a tree growing on...
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Zen Story: Mind over Matter
An accomplished though conceited young archer once dared a Zen master famed for his prowess in archery, to a test of their skills. The youth’s proficiency was extraordinary. His first...
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Zen Story: Anger Management
A Zen disciple approached his teacher. “Master, I have an uncontrollable temper. Can you help me overcome it?” “Hmmm, that’s strange. Can you show it to me?” asked the master....
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Zen Story: Friendship
A long time ago there were two friends, one who played the harp skillfully, and one who listened skillfully. When the one played a song about the mountains, the other...
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