Tag: zen

  • Article – Why are Christians Turning to Buddhism?

    A well-writen article discussing Christianity and Buddhism. A question at the core of my belief is why is there so much bickering and hate in the world, and the view that “my way is better than your way”? Why are views so rigid and thrown in the face of others? Why is it so difficult…

  • Poetry Month – Poem by Layman Pang Yun

    The following two poems from the book The Recorded Sayings of Layman Pang, Weatherhill 1971, translated from the Chinese by Ruth Fuller Sasaki, Yoshitaka Iriya, and Dana R. Fraser #1 I have a great robe Not of this world’s silk. It can’t be dyed by any color, Being crystalline, like white floss. No scissors were…

  • Poetry Month – Poems By Zen Masters

    The following translations are from the book Original Teachings of Chan Buddhism, by Chang Chun-Yuan, A Vintage Book, 1971. From Master Tsao-shan He who says that a dragon is singing in the dry woods Is he who truly sees Tao. The skull has no consciousness, But wisdom’s eye begins to shine in it. If joy…

  • Book Review – Cultivating the Empty Field

    This is a follow-up to my previous post about the book “Cultivating the Empty Field: The Silent Illumination of Zen Master Hongzhi”. This book is edited and translated by Taigen Dan Leighton and Yi Wu. I would consider this a classic Zen text and one every practitioner, from beginnings to masters should have. Included are…

  • Zen Master – Quote by Dogen

    Eihei Dogen (1200-1253) Founder of Japanese Soto Zen “Studying the Buddha Way is studying oneself.  Studying oneself is forgetting oneself.  Forgetting oneself is being enlightened by all things.  Being enlightened by all things is causing the body-mind of oneself and the body-mind of others to be shed.  There is ceasing the traces of enlightenment, which…

  • Masters – Shitou Xiqian – Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage

    Song of the Grass-Roof Hermitage, written by Shitou Xiqian  (700 – 790). I’ve built a grass hut where there’s nothing of value. After eating, I relax and enjoy a nap. When it was completed, fresh weeds appeared. Now it’s been lived in – covered by weeds. The person in the hut lives here calmly, Not stuck…

  • Masters – Shitou Xiqian – Harmony of Difference and Equality

    The poem Harmony of Difference and Equlity (or Sameness) is a classic Chan Zen poem known for its concise and high-level insight of Buddhism, written by Shitou Xiqian  (700 – 790). This translation below is courtesy of Sacred-Texts. Harmony of Difference and Sameness 竺土大仙心 The mind of the great sage of India 東西密相付 is intimately transmitted…

  • Empty Field Dharma Resources

    I have read many books, different views, and different schools of thought. Everything I study now is focused on Japanese and Tibetan Buddhism, which have slightly varied paths, for lack of a better word. When I read and think about each, the Japanese makes more sense and resonates deeper within. 1. Tibetan Buddhism Mahayana –…

  • New Project – Empty Field Dharma

    I have started a new site dedicated to information and discussion around the Empty Field Dharma. The concept of an Empty Field is derived from Zen Master Hongzhi from the book “Cultivating the Empty Field” and the Soto Zen school of Buddhism. I have read many books, different views, and different schools of thought. Everything…

  • Taking Care of Ourself First

    Really, to help others, we should be in a good place ourself, to put more positive energy into what we are trying to accomplish. Excerpted from Rules of the Hunt Taking Care of You Drink plenty of water. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper. Eat more fruits…