Zen a day - Feb 24

Wednesday 20 February 2008
Cold you may be
but don't warm yourself by the fire,
Buddha of snow!
- Sokan

Thursday 21 February 2008
All that happens is usual and familiar as the rose in spring and the crop in summer.
- Marcus Aurelius

Friday 22 February 2008
Yet another elder said: If you see a young monk by his own will climbing up to heaven, take him by the foot and throw him to the ground, because what he is doing is not good for him.
- Zen instruction

Saturday 23 February 2008
Men who wish to know about the world must learn about its particular details.
- Herakleitos


Sunday 24 February 2008
Yunyan asked Daowu: "How does the Bodhisattva or mercy use all those hands and eyes?"
"It's like reaching behind you for a pillow at night."
"Ah, I understand," said Yunyan.
"What do you understand?" asked Daowu.
"There are hands and eyes all through the body."
"Not bad, but it's not the whole picture."
"No? How would you say it?" asked Yunyan.
Daowu said: "All through the body are hands and eyes."
- Zen koan