[Raises the Zen stick over his head, then hits the table with the stick]
Zen is rooted in Buddhism and in Taoism.
Buddhism teaches; first get enlightenment then instruct all beings.
Taoism teaches to live a life in perfect harmony with the universe.
[Raises the Zen stick …
Read More...[Raises Zen stick over head, then hits table with stick.]
Kindness and cruelty are opposite sides of one form.
[Raises Zen stick over head, then hits table with stick.]
Originally no kindness, no cruelty, and no form!
[Raises Zen stick over head, then hits table with stick.]
Kindness is kindness.…
Read More...Some years ago in Korea, there lived a very devout Buddhist family. In his home, the father had a small room set up for meditation. He also had two teenage daughters. The older one was very responsible and always did the right thing. However, the younger one was quite wild. …
Read More...Family Karma
Question: Recently I saw a calligraphy of yours in the U.S. which said, “Freedom from family karma.” What does this mean? Why is this important?
Zen Master Seung Sahn: The basis of the family is emotion. Emotional connections make …
Read More...Your family doesn’t like you practicing Buddhism, many people have that situation. Why is that? Because they love you. All human beings want to protect the people they love. Because all human beings have an idea of what is correct life and what is good for their family and their …
Read More...Zen Master Wu Bong: Yes, we can help. Consider hunger. We have hunger all over this world. Where does this hunger come from? It doesn’t come from economic problems. It doesn’t come because there isn’t enough food in …
Read More...Question: I have a friend who has amnesia. Could you explain this in Buddhist terms?
WBZM: In Buddhist psychology, we speak of eight kinds of consciousness. The first five are sensory-sight, smell, hearing, touch and taste. The sixth is mind consciousness, which …
Read More...A hospice experience
Most of you know that I’m a nurse and I’ve been working with a hospice program in Rhode Island. The story I want to tell you is about this patient I’ve been taking care of since July. She has cancer of the liver and intestines. We have …
Read More...Dear Soen Sa Nim,
How are you, and how is it to be back East again? We miss you here! I hope the seven-day Yong Maeng Jong Jin is going well.
It is strange how things happen, sometimes backwards. I felt very clear after the …
Read More...