Once a boy name Raman was studying art under guidance of a great master. Master taught Raman how to draw and paint, mixing colors and other various techniques. Raman was a quick learner. His master was proud of him. Once a competition was announced for budding painters. Artists were asked to send their paintings. Raman…
Here are some of the best Zen Buddhist parables, anecdotes and tales and let their profound insights and wise moral life lessons guide you towards wiseness and self awareness.
Buddha Sleeping – Disciple Question
Just nearby, in the Ajanta caves, in the last cave there is a sculpture of Gautam Buddha sleeping. That pose has become known as the “Lion’s pose” because the lion also sleeps on its side without moving. When Gautum Buddha was alive, he used to sleep in same posture, whole night. He wouldn’t move from…
King Invitation and Doubts – Zen Story
Once there was King who used to go on round of his Kingdom in disguise. Every night he would go to see whether things were alright or there was some trouble about which he didn’t know. He saw a very beautiful and silent man standing under a tree. Whatever time of night he went, that…
Neither Good nor Bad – Zen Master Hakuin Story
Once Zen master Hakuin lived on outskirts of a village in Japan. He was very famous and has great reputation. Whole village respected him. Whenever he would go to village for alms, people would greet and welcome him and would give him many things. But one day everything changed. A young unmarried girl in village…
One’s Nature and Enlightenment – Buddha Stories
Story 1: Angry Man Abuses Buddha..! Once somebody came and started insulting and abusing Buddha. Buddha listened silently. When man walked away, one of disciples asked Buddha, “Why did you remain silent?” Buddha said, “Once I was passing through a forest and a branch of a tree fell on me. What do you think? Should…
Two Monk and a Woman – Zen Teaching
Once upon a time, two monks were traveling together. One their way to home, they came to bank of river and found that bridge was damaged. They had to wade (walk through) across the river. A pretty lady was standing on bank of river, She was also stuck there because of damaged bridge. She had…
Anger or Love: Your Choice – Zen Master Rinzai
Once there was great Zen master, Rinzai. He used to meet people at his place, where he used to meet people. One day a man came to him. Man was not in good mood and because of this when he entered Master’s room, he pushed and slammed door very hard. He removed his shoes and…
Young Man Enlightenment Story
Once a young man belonging to a very rich and aristocratic family, came to Zen master. Young man told Master that he had known everything and indulged in every desire but then he got fed up with everything – fed up with women, wine, money. He said to Master, “Now, i am fed up with…
King’s Reaction – Disciple Test Story
Once a disciple as going to be given his last initiation by his master. Once he passes his last initiation he would be declared enlightened. Disciple went to master and said, “I am ready. Please tell me what i have to do for my last initiation.” Master said, “You have to go to King, early…
Bodhidharma and Emperor Story
Once Bodhidharma decided to visit China. His fame had reached before him. Chinese Emperor himself came to receive Bodhidharma. Emperor had come from far away, from his capital in center to border of China, to receive Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma when reached, he was carrying one shoe on his head and one was on his foot, this…