Zen Koans
Zen Koans
ZEN
In each episode, we narrate a Koan, inviting you to explore their timeless intricate layers of meaning.
My Heart Burns Like Fire
Soyen Shaku, the first Zen teacher to come to America, said: "My heart burns like fire but my eyes are as cold as dead ashes." He made the following rules which he practiced every day of his life. ________________________________ You can find us at Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZenKoans/ If you would like to support: https://www.patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast
Nov 4, 2023
2 min
A Parable
Buddha told a parable in sutra:A man travelling across a field encountered a tiger. He fled, the tiger after him. Coming to a precipice, he caught hold of the root of a wild vine and swung himself down over the edge. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast
Nov 1, 2023
2 min
Muddy Road
Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast
Oct 17, 2023
2 min
It is Not Mind, It is Not Buddha, It is Not Things
A monk asked Nansen: `Is there a teaching no master ever preached before?' -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast
Oct 14, 2023
1 min
A Cup of Tea
Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era, received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast
Sep 30, 2023
1 min
Eating the Blame
Circumstances arose one day which delayed preparation of the dinner of a Soto Zen master, Fugai, and his followers. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast
Sep 30, 2023
2 min
The Moon Cannot Be Stolen
Ryokan, a Zen master, lived the simplest kind of life in a little hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing to steal. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast
Sep 20, 2023
2 min
Nothing Exists
Yamaoka Tesshu, as a young student of Zen, visited one master after another. He called upon Dokuon of Shokoku. -------------------------------- If you would like to support: https://patreon.com/ZenKoansPodcast
Sep 19, 2023
2 min