Once a young man came to Abbot of monastery and said, “I really want to become a monk but i haven’t learned anything of importance in my life. Only thing i know is how to play chess because that’s what i have been learning from my father from young age but I want to get…
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.
Choice: Heaven or Hell..?
One day a very famous samurai came to Zen Master Hakuin. Being a samurai he knew only about life and death. So he just wanted to know where were the gates of heaven and hell. So that when the time comes he could escape hell and go to heaven. So he asked Master, “Where is…
Peaceful Warrior Secret to Win..
Once lived a great warrior who was quiet old but still was able to defeat any challenger. He was famous throughout the island and had many students gathered to study under him. One day a young warrior arrived at village was determined to be the first one to defeat great warrior. He had great strength…
Trust in God Stories..
Story 1. Trust in God!! An emperor asked to Monk, “I would like to see your God. How can i see it?” Monk replied, “It’s impossible! You cannot see God.” Listening to this reply emperor questioned, “Impossible? If i can not see God, Hoe can i entrust my life to God?” “Ok, Can you show…
How to be a Good Learner!!
Story 1: Professor Question.. A university professor came to a Japanese master to Question About Zen. Japanese master greeted him. Before they could start to talk about Zen Japanese master invited professor for tea. At the table both were sitting in front of each other. Master started to serve tea for professor while pouring tea…
Meaning of Silence!!
Story 1: Master and Traveler..! In old times it was customary for Monks who is traveling and seeking for lodge to stay was to engage himself in dharma combat with head monk at Zen monastery. If he won battle then he could stay else he would have to seek quarters elsewhere. Once a traveling monk…
Two Monks Conversation!!
Story 1. Once two monks were traveling. They were going to another monastery. Due to their rules they were not even allowed to look at women. After walking for long they reached a river which they had to cross. The flow of river was so flooded that they couldn’t get across it without getting wet….