Zen a day - catch-up 3 - June 6-12

Friday 6 June 2008
I have met the builder and broken the ridgepole. I shall not build that house again.
- The Buddha, upon his awakening

Saturday 7 June 2008
The first question I ask when something doesn't seem to be beautiful is why do I think it's not beautiful? And very shortly you discover that there is no reason.
- John Cage

Sunday 8 June 2008
The venerable Nan-ch'uan asked Chao-chou:
"When not a single thing is brought, then what?"
Chao-chou said: "Put it down."
"If I don't bring a single thing, what should I put down?" continued Nan-ch'uan.
"Then carry it out," said Chao-chou.
- Zen koan

Monday 9 June 2008
Under a pine tree I questioned your monk. "My master went in search of herbs," he answered, "but toward which corner of the mountain no one can tell, in these misty clouds."
- Chia Tao

Tuesday 10 June 2008
Time itself is being.
All being is time.
- Dōgen

Wednesday 11 June 2008
Where people of today dwell, I do not dwell. What people of today do, I do not do.
If you clearly understand what this really means, you must be able to enter a pit of fire with your whole body.
- Huang-long

Thursday 12 June 2008
A heavy cart rumbles by
    and the peonies
       quiver.
- Buson