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 Samthenerd rated 12 months ago - The Gift of Insults
There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.
One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was d...
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12 Reviews
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- Veteran4Peace rated 3 weeks ago
- There are some really great Zen stories here. Food for thought, or should it be 'Food for No-Thought?'
- flyingrose rated 19 months ago
- From the page: "The Emperor asked Master Gudo,
"What happens to a man of enlightenment after death?"
"How should I know?" replied Gudo.
"Because you are a master," answered the Emperor.
"Yes sir," said Gudo, "but not a dead one.""
- sheilaboweila rated 19 months ago
- "Dreaming"
The great Taoist master Chuang Tzu once dreamt that he was a butterfly fluttering here and there. In the dream he had no awareness of his individuality as a person. He was only a butterfly. Suddenly, he awoke and found himself laying there, a person once again.
But then he thought to himself,
"Was I before a man who dreamt about being a butterfly, or am I now a butterfly who dreams about being a man?"
- AnnoyingMoose rated 12 months ago
- I heard that first one a while ago. Now I get it. I feel awesome.
- Samthenerd rated 12 months ago
- The Gift of Insults
There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.
One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move. Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge.
As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he justify feeling shamed.
Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"
"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?"
- Sabriel rated 19 months ago
- Great zen stories. Made me think.
- ichibon rated 18 months ago
- My dad used to tell me stories like these when i was a kid ;p
Sounds of Silence
Four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. By nightfall on the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out.
The first monk said, "Oh, no! The candle is out."
The second monk said, "Aren't we not suppose to talk?"
The third monk said, "Why must you two break the silence?"
The fourth monk laughed and said, "Ha! I'm the only one who didn't speak."
- Lovefro rated 19 months ago
- From the page: "Sounds of Silence
Four monks decided to meditate silently without speaking for two weeks. By nightfall on the first day, the candle began to flicker and then went out.
The first monk said, "Oh, no! The candle is out."
The second monk said, "Aren't we not suppose to talk?"
The third monk said, "Why must you two break the silence?"
The fourth monk laughed and said, "Ha! I'm the only one who didn't"
- wayoutgirl rated 19 months ago
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Can't say I know much of anything about Zen .. but these are nice thoughts.
- flyinhigh86 rated 19 months ago
- Dreaming
The great Taoist master Chuang Tzu once dreamt that he was a butterfly fluttering here and there. In the dream he had no awareness of his individuality as a person. He was only a butterfly. Suddenly, he awoke and found himself laying there, a person once again.
But then he thought to himself,
"Was I before a man who dreamt about being a butterfly, or am I now a butterfly who dreams about being a man?"
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