Featured: The Blue Cliff Record, Case 36 - Changsha Wandering in the Mountains

Changsha went wandering in the mountains one day.
When he returned to the temple gate the head monk asked, "Where have you been?"
Changsha said, "I have come from walking in the hills."
"Which way did you go?"
"I went out following the scented grasses and came back chasing the falling blossoms."

—Blue Cliff Record, Case 36

Where Have You Been?

Bodhidharma's Vast Emptiness (BCR1)(BS2)

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KOAN:

Emperor Wu asked the great teacher Bodhidharma, “What is the first principle of the holy teaching?”
Bodhidharma said, “Vast emptiness, nothing holy.”
“Who are you, standing here in front of me?” asked the emperor.
“I don’t know,” said Bodhidharma.
The emperor didn’t understand.

– Blue Cliff Record, Case 1 & Book of Serenity, Case 2

Audio April 30, 2021

Self and Ox Forgotten

Jon Joseph

Koans

Bodhidharma's Vast Emptiness (BCR1)(BS2), Oxherding Drawings