Embracing Zen: 3 Transformative Stories for Mindful Living

Chapter 1: The Essence of Zen Practice

Zen teachings often revolve around fundamental concepts such as Beginner's Mind, being present in the moment, and the act of releasing attachments.

"What is the sound of one hand?"

"If you encounter the Buddha, eliminate him."

These phrases reflect the challenging nature of Zen. As someone who has been a Zen practitioner for 25 years, I often feel like I’m still learning the basics. A true Zen master might commend my acknowledgment of this ongoing journey—it embodies the spirit of Beginner's Mind, a highly regarded trait in Zen philosophy.

A clear mind is vital for progress. I’ve never ventured into the Rinzai Zen practice that requires grappling with puzzling koans like the ones mentioned. In this method, the practitioner presents their interpretation to a Zen master, who may repeatedly indicate failure until a breakthrough occurs. This process can be grueling, and the insights gained can be profound, yet it may take years to fully grasp a koan.

Recognizing my own temperament, I prefer gentler Zen stories that impart wisdom without the intense rigor. I practice Soto Zen, where koans serve more as teaching tools rather than challenges to one's intellect. My intention is not to instruct but to share valuable lessons from three Zen tales found in the book Zen Flesh, Zen Bones. Let’s take a moment to enjoy tea, clean our bowls, and reflect on the moon.

A Cup of Tea

During the Meiji era (1868–1912), Japanese master Nan-In welcomed a university professor seeking knowledge about Zen. As he poured tea, he filled the professor's cup to the brim, then continued pouring until the tea overflowed.

The professor finally exclaimed, "It's overflowing! No more can fit!"

Nan-In replied, "Just like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?"

This encounter illustrates that the master couldn't impart Zen wisdom to a scholar overwhelmed by preconceived notions. While academia values knowledge accumulation, Zen invites us to release it.

Embracing a Zen mindset allows for faster learning and deeper intuition. Steve Jobs exemplified this as he sought spiritual growth and practiced Zen under the guidance of Otogawa Kōbun. His journey highlights how Zen's principles influenced his innovative approach at Apple. As Zen priest Yamashita Ryōdō notes, Jobs relied on his inner voice rather than marketing research, embodying the essence of Beginner's Mind.

In the beginner's mind, numerous possibilities exist; in the expert's mind, there are few.

— Shunryu Suzuki

Joshu Washes the Bowl

A monk approached Joshu, expressing his desire to learn upon entering the monastery.

Joshu asked, "Have you had your breakfast?"

The monk replied, "Yes, I have."

Joshu responded, "Then you should wash your bowl."

At that moment, the monk achieved enlightenment.

Joshu, a revered Zen master who taught until the age of 120, surprised the eager monk with the simplicity of his answer. Zen distills life down to the present moment—first, you eat your porridge without distraction, and then you wash your bowl, fully engaged in each action. There is no future—only the act at hand.

This principle of focus is crucial in our distraction-filled lives, dominated by screens and notifications. The clarity in Joshu's teaching reminds us of the importance of mindfulness and presence.

The first video, "101 Zen Stories: Compilation of Zen Koans," explores various Zen koans, providing insights into their significance and interpretations.

The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Zen master Ryokan led a minimalist life in a modest mountain hut. One evening, a thief entered, only to find nothing worth stealing. When Ryokan caught him, he offered his clothes as a gift, saying, "You traveled far to visit, and you shouldn’t leave empty-handed."

The thief, perplexed, accepted the clothes and departed, while Ryokan sat naked, gazing at the moon. "Poor fellow," he thought, "I wish I could share the beauty of this moon with him."

Ryokan’s actions highlight the beauty of detachment. He showed generosity and compassion, willing to part with his possessions. Yet, he lamented that the thief would never experience the profound freedom that comes from letting go of attachments.

Zen practice and meditation teach us to release our grip on material possessions and thoughts. What if we embraced a mindset of detachment? The inevitability of death reminds us that we will eventually leave everything behind. Instead of clinging tightly, we should appreciate the beauty of existence, just as Ryokan admired the moon.

The thief left it behind:

the moon

at my window.

— Ryokan

The second video, "NEVER REVEAL THESE SEVEN THINGS TO ANYONE," offers valuable life lessons inspired by Buddhist teachings, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own attachments and awareness.