The Zen approach is not about avoiding mistakes but bringing them to the path. Making a mistake opens the tenderness in us and can be more helpful than not making one. Then, the mistakes are not mistakes.
The Zen approach is not about avoiding mistakes but bringing them to the path. Making a mistake opens the tenderness in us and can be more helpful than not making one. Then, the mistakes are not mistakes.
Right or Wrong?
Fayan has two students roll up the blinds on his windows. They do this the same way. One is chastised, while the other is praised. One wins, one loses. (Gateless Gate, Case 26)
“What’s the first principle of the holy teaching?” asks the Emperor. “Vast emptiness, nothing holy,” says Bodhidharma.
“Well, who are you then?” “I don’t know,” says Bodhidharma. (Blue Cliff Record, Case 1)
You Don’t Have to Know
If you take a step, any step, and feel about, you’ll find ground.
Whatever happens is your journey; what to do is given.
It’s for your benefit, honorable reader. It’s for you. No one was ever given another now.
Curiosity saves the cat.
The question “What is this?” is a koan and always reveals a gateway.
No need to bear it.
When we want something to be over, we lose compassion for ourselves, now.
What if there’s nothing wrong?
Not having a first principle.
