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**Mowselelex** · 02-21-2011, 08:40 AM

I don't even think about taking refuge anymore; that's just the way my mind is. The way things are is how they are.

It is great to be resolved like this. And about refuges and traditions, just want to share a Zen story I really like:

"In modern times a great deal of nonsense is talked about masters and disciples, and about the inheritance of a master's teaching by favourite pupils, entitling them to pass the truth on to their adherents. Of course Zen should be imparted in this way, from hart to hart and in the past it was really accomplished. Silence and humility reigned rather than profession and assertion. The one who received such a teaching kept the matter hidden even after twenty years. Now until another discovered through his own need that a real master was at hand was it learned that the teaching had been imparted, and even then the occasion arose quite naturally and the teaching made its way in its own right. Under no circumstance did the teacher even claim "I am the successor of So-and-so". Such claim would prove quite the contrary.

The Zen master Mu-nan had only one successor. His name was Shoju. After Shoju had completed his study of Zen, Mu-nan called him into his room. "I am getting old", he said, "and as far as I know, Shoju, you are the only one you who will carry on this teaching. Here is a book. It has been passed down from master to master for seven generations. I also have added many points according to my understanding. The book is very valuable and I am getting it to you to represent your successorship."

"If the book is such an important thing, you had better keep it", Shoju replied. "I received your Zen without writing and I am satisfied with it as it is."

"I know that," said Mu-nan. Even so, this work has been carried from master to master for seven generations, so you may kept it as a symbol of having received the teaching. Here."

The two happened to be talking before a brazier. The instant Shoju felt the book in his hands he thrust it into the flaming coals. He had no lost for possessions. Mu-nan, who had never been angry before, yelled: "What are you doing!"

Shoju shouted back: "What are you saying!"

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones.

02-21-2011, 08:40 AM	#12
Mowselelex Join Date Dec 2005 Posts 430 Senior Member	I don't even think about taking refuge anymore; that's just the way my mind is. The way things are is how they are. It is great to be resolved like this. And about refuges and traditions, just want to share a Zen story I really like: "In modern times a great deal of nonsense is talked about masters and disciples, and about the inheritance of a master's teaching by favourite pupils, entitling them to pass the truth on to their adherents. Of course Zen should be imparted in this way, from hart to hart and in the past it was really accomplished. Silence and humility reigned rather than profession and assertion. The one who received such a teaching kept the matter hidden even after twenty years. Now until another discovered through his own need that a real master was at hand was it learned that the teaching had been imparted, and even then the occasion arose quite naturally and the teaching made its way in its own right. Under no circumstance did the teacher even claim "I am the successor of So-and-so". Such claim would prove quite the contrary. The Zen master Mu-nan had only one successor. His name was Shoju. After Shoju had completed his study of Zen, Mu-nan called him into his room. "I am getting old", he said, "and as far as I know, Shoju, you are the only one you who will carry on this teaching. Here is a book. It has been passed down from master to master for seven generations. I also have added many points according to my understanding. The book is very valuable and I am getting it to you to represent your successorship." "If the book is such an important thing, you had better keep it", Shoju replied. "I received your Zen without writing and I am satisfied with it as it is." "I know that," said Mu-nan. Even so, this work has been carried from master to master for seven generations, so you may kept it as a symbol of having received the teaching. Here." The two happened to be talking before a brazier. The instant Shoju felt the book in his hands he thrust it into the flaming coals. He had no lost for possessions. Mu-nan, who had never been angry before, yelled: "What are you doing!" Shoju shouted back: "What are you saying!" Zen Flesh, Zen Bones.
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