Koans « Daily Buddhism

Koan: The Stingy Artist

By Brian Schell, on August 31st, 2009%

Koan: The Stingy Artist

Gessen was an artist monk. Before he would start a drawing or painting he always insisted upon being paid in advance, and his fees were high. He was known as the “Stingy Artist.”

A geisha once gave him a commission for a painting. “How much can you pay?” inquired Gessen.

“Whatever you charge,” replied the . . . → Read More: Koan: The Stingy Artist

Koan: How Grass and Trees Become Enlightened

By Brian Schell, on August 6th, 2009%

Koan: How Grass & Trees Become Enlightened

During the Kamakura period, Shinkan studied Tendai six years and then studied Zen seven years; then he went to China and contemplated Zen for thirteen years more.

When he returned to Japan many desired to interview him and asked obscure questions. But when Shinkan received visitors, which was infrequently, he seldom . . . → Read More: Koan: How Grass and Trees Become Enlightened

Koan: Right and Wrong

By Brian Schell, on July 30th, 2009%

Right & Wrong

When Bankei held his seclusion-weeks of meditation, pupils from many parts of Japan came to attend. During one of these gatherings a pupil was caught stealing. The matter was reported to Bankei with the request that the culprit be expelled. Bankei ignored the case.

Later the pupil was caught in a similar act, and again . . . → Read More: Koan: Right and Wrong

Koan: The Thief Who Became a Disciple

By Brian Schell, on July 20th, 2009%

The Thief Who Became a Disciple

One evening as Shichiri Kojun was reciting sutras a thief with a sharp sword entered, demanding wither his money or his life.

Shichiri told him: “Do not disturb me. You can find the money in that drawer.” Then he resumed his recitation.

A little while afterwards he stopped and called: “Don’t take it . . . → Read More: Koan: The Thief Who Became a Disciple

Koan: Zen in a Beggar’s Life

By Brian Schell, on July 10th, 2009%

Zen in a Beggar’s Life

Tosui was a well-known Zen teacher of his time. He had lived in several temples and taught in various provinces.

The last temple he visited accumulated so many adherents that Tosui told them he was going to quit the lecture business entirely. He advised them to disperse and to go wherever they desired. . . . → Read More: Koan: Zen in a Beggar’s Life