"Time To Learn " — Author Unknown
A young but earnest Zen student approached his teacher, and asked the Zen Master: "If I work very hard and diligent how long will it take for me to find Zen."
The Master thought about this, then replied, "Ten years."
The student then said, "But what if I work very, very hard and really apply myself to learn fast -- How long then ?"
Replied the Master, "Well, twenty years."
"Misfortune" Author Unknown
A Chinese farmer's neighbors came over to offer him their sympathy after his horse ran away. "I'm not so sure it's a misfortune", said the farmer. The neighbors left, shaking their heads.
"Vast Emptiness" — Author Unknown
The emperor, who was a devout Buddhist, invited a great Zen master to the Palace in order to ask him questions about Buddhism.
"What is the highest truth of the holy Buddhist doctrine?" the emperor inquired.
“Psalm 139” - Interpretation by Sam Keen
Oh Love
You have pursued me
and dared to know me
You embrace my stillness
and my uprising
You understand my thoughts,
"Story of Awareness" by Anthony de Mello
The student monk had spent seven years,
Learning how to comprehend awareness.
At the end of his study it was time for assessment,
To visit the master was his final assignm
“The Tao is Silent” by Raymond M. Smullyan
When I first came across the Taoist writings, I was infinitely delighted. I did not feel that I was reading something strange or exotic, but that I was reading the very thoughts I have had all my life, only expressed far better than I have ever been able to express them.
"Cultivate Well-roundedness" from JamesBaquet.com
It seems the happiest people I know can whoop it up with friends on Saturday night and attend church with great conviction on Sunday.
They can chat with equal amiability with college professors and construction workers, with police officers and prostitutes, with ministers and mine workers.
They can have fun in a disco or on a mountain trail, can be at peace in traffic or in tranquility.
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"Enlightenment is Like the Moon" by Dogen
Enlightenment is like the moon reflected on the water.
The moon does not get wet, nor is the water broken.
Although its light is wide and great,
The moon is reflected even in a puddle an inch wide.
The whole moon and the entire sky
Are reflected in one dewdrop on the grass.
"Forgotten Wing" by Keith Basar
A man’s uncompromising soul,
rests in clarity and valor.
Peter's denial was three,
mine many more.
Love conquers
as all souls do know