Zen Stuff

A dog barking and the sound of water; Peach blossoms heavy with dew. In these deep woods, deer can be seen; At noon along the stream, I hear no bell. Wild bamboo divides gray clouds; Waterfalls hang from blue peaks. No one knows where you’ve gone; Disheartened, I lean against a second, Now a third pine. - Li Po Aikijutsu Academy of Indianapolis Read Full Story

Joshu asked Nansen: `What is the path?' Nansen said: `Everyday life is the path.' Joshu asked: `Can it be studied?' Nansen said: `If you try to study, you will be far away from it.' Joshu asked: `If I do not study, how can I know it is the path?' Nansen said: `The path does not belong to the perception world, neither does it belong to the nonperception world. Cognition is a delusion and noncognition is senseless. If you want to reach the true path beyond doubt, place yourself in the same freedom as sky. You name it neither good nor not-good.' At these words ... Read Full Story

The Japanese Daisho, the Katana and Wakizashi, should be displayed on the horizontal sword stand with the sharp edge of the blade on top. The sword would be then curving downward. If you place the sword edge down, there will be pressure on the edge. This will cause the edge to bend. Like a barbers straight edge razor, the edge bends rather than dulls. This is why you will see an old time barber smacking the straight edge along a leather strap to straighten the edge. If you go online to somewhere like Ebay and search for a Katana, you will probably see the ... Read Full Story

It is fun to learn to meditate. You join a group, buy a zafu (meditation pillow), buy some candles and incense, etc. Now it is time to meditate everyday at home. The meditation instructor says it is a good idea to do it on a regular basis. You are excited! You set up a small area with all the important items. You are prepared. The first couple of days go smoothly. You scheduled a time to sit (meditate) and you followed it to the letter. The next day you forgot you have a doctors appointment so you will sit a little later. You forget. ... Read Full Story

Gutei raised his finger whenever he was asked a question about Zen. A boy attendant began to imitate him in this way. When anyone asked the boy what his master had preached about, the boy would raise his finger. Gutei heard about the boy's mischief. He seized him and cut off his finger. The boy cried and ran away. Gutei called and stopped him. When the boy turned his head to Gutei, Gutei raised up his own finger. In that instant the boy was enlightened. When Gutei was about to pass from this world he gathered his monks around him. `I attained my finger-Zen,' ... Read Full Story