Zen Story: “Don’t make inside or outside”
“A student spoke up in the assembly at one of the centers of Korean Son/Zen master Seung Sahn, saying, “It seems that in Christianity God is outside me, whereas in Zen God is inside me, so God and I are…
Category Zen Stories
Zen Story: “What is the difference between a Man of Tao and a little man?”
“A student once asked, “What is the difference between a Man of Tao and a little man?” The Zen Master replied, “It is simple. When the little man becomes a student, he can hardly wait to run home and shout…
Zen Story: “Show me this temper”
“A student came before the master Bankei and asked to be helped in getting rid of his violent temper. “Show me this temper,” said Bankei. “It sounds very fascinating.” “I haven’t got it right now, so I can’t show it…
Zen Story: “Adjust yourself to the environment”
“A student asked Suzuki Roshi why the Japanese make their teacups so thin and delicate that they break easily. “It’s not that they’re too delicate,” he answered, “but that you don’t know how to handle them. You must adjust yourself…
Zen Story: “Where did this question come forth?”
Zen Story: “A monk asked Tianping Congyi, “The mountains, rivers and the great earth– from where did all of these things comes forth?” Tianping replied, “From where did this question come forth?””
Zen Story: “Perfect concentration and tranquility”
“A master of the tea ceremony in old Japan once accidentally slighted a soldier. He quickly apologized, but the rather impetuous soldier demanded that the matter be settled in a sword duel. The tea master, who had no experience with…
Zen Story: “Hunter who chases two rabbits”
“A martial arts student approached his teacher with a question. “I’d like to improve my knowledge of the martial arts. In addition to learning from you, I’d like to study with another teacher in order to learn another style. What…
Zen Story: “I want to find God”
“A hermit was meditating by a river when a young man interrupted him. “Master, I wish to become your disciple,” said the man. “Why?” replied the hermit. The young man thought for a moment. “Because I want to find God.”…
Zen Story: “Who is your instructor”
“A dramatic ballad singer studied under a strict teacher who insisted that he rehearse day after day, month after month the same passage from the same song, without being permitted to go any further. Finally, overwhelmed by frustration and despair,…
Zen Story: “Just exclude him from all those sentient beings”
Zen Story: “A farmer requested a Tendai priest to recite sutras for his wife, who had died. After the recitation was over the farmer asked: “Do you think my wife will gain merit from this?” “Not only your wife, but…