Skip to content
Cars — Pets — Consciousness — Relationships — Universe — Food-and-drink — Fashion-and-beauty — travel — Ego — Lifestyle

Seven Zen Tales Offering Insight into Changing One's Outlook on Life's Challenges

Tales from the Shaseki-shu, a 13th-century Japanese text, have been translated into English.

,   and  Administrator
2 min read
Tales from the Shaseki-shu, a book penned in the late 13th century, have been translated into...
Tales from the Shaseki-shu, a book penned in the late 13th century, have been translated into English. This collection, authored by a Japanese scholar, is known as the "Collection of Stone and Sand."

Seven Zen Tales Offering Insight into Changing One's Outlook on Life's Challenges

Based on historical records from the Shaseki-shu, a thirteenth-century collection of Zen teachings, and anecdotes of Japanese Zen monks compiled around the early 20th century, Zen Buddhism was born in China and brought eastward to Japan. This spiritual practice emphasizes direct, experiential realization of one's true nature, often through meditation and paradoxical teachings, rather than doctrinal study.

Zen, also known as Chan in China, originated in the sixth century when Bodhidharma journeyed from India. It was described as a unique teaching "beyond words and letters, pointing to the mind essence of man seeing directly into one's nature, attaining enlightenment." Zen practitioners strive to establish a responsive relationship with the universe, considering themselves friends, not followers, of the Buddha.

The spirit of Zen transmutes one's existence, inducing an inner transformation that eliminates fear, doubt, unnecessary cravings, and extreme emotions. One serves humanity humbly, living with loving-kindness and observing the inevitable passing of life with tranquility.

To embark on the Zen path is no easy feat. Teachers aim to assist others in realizing their true nature, and these stories illustrate the journey and its challenges. One illuminating anecdote involves Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to arrive in America, who professed, "My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes." Shaku followed strict daily practices, such as meditating before dressing in the morning, moderating food intake, and demonstrating empathy for guests and solitude alike.

Another captivating story revolves around the thief who became a disciple. Shichiri Kojun, the Zen master, was undisturbed when faced with a thief demanding money or his life. Kojun calmly advised the thief to take most of the money but leave enough for taxes the following day and even thanked the intruder upon his departure. The thief later confessed his crime and became Kojun's disciple.

When faced with a student's thievish inclinations, Zen master Bankei displayed remarkable compassion. Upon catching the student stealing, Bankei refused to expel him, instead encouraging others to teach him right from wrong. The boy's theft ceased, and a wave of tears cleansed his face, marking his transformation.

Paul Lenda, founder of the consciousness evolution guide SHIFT> and author of The Creation of a Consciousness Shift, offers further insights into Zen life advice in his work. He emphasizes detachment from the world, self-discipline, modesty, and a focus on the present moment. Advice such as "living in the world yet not forming attachments to its dust" and "encouraging yourself to follow the examples of those who act well, while advising yourself not to emulate the mistakes of others" encapsulate the wisdom he imparts.

These stories and teachings serve as vital reminders of Zen's enduring philosophies and practices, transcending time and cultural boundaries. By imbuing one's life with mindfulness and embodying Zen's principles, one may find themselves shifting their perspective, embracing tranquility, and cultivating a greater understanding of the universe.

  1. A Zen practitioner's lifestyle, guided by the teachings, encourages a focus on food and drink that eliminates unnecessary cravings, promoting tranquility.
  2. Zen teachings, stressing the importance of consciousness, promote a detachment from the fashion-and-beauty world and its trivialities.
  3. In their quest for enlightenment, Zen disciples also develop responsive relationships, extending empathy towards their pets and fellow travelers in life.
  4. Zen philosophy, rooted in the reverence for the universe, encourages humble service to humanity and cultivating deep, meaningful friendships in relationships.
  5. Car ownership, limited or avoided by some Zen adherents, symbolizes detachment from material possessions, allowing for a stronger connection with the essential nature of the universe.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest