Saturday, January 05, 2008

form and emptiness



One day, Tesshu, the famous swordsman and Zen devotee, went to Dokuon and told him triumphantly he believed all that exists is empty, there is no you or me, etc. The master who had listened in silence suddenly snatched up his long tobacco pipe and struck Tesshu's head.

The infuriated swordsman would have killed the master there and then, but Dukuon said calmly, "Emptiness is quick to show anger, isn't it?

Forcing a smile, Tesshu left the room.


Zen: Poems, Prayers, Sermons, Anecdotes and Interviews,
translated by Lucien Stryk and Takashi Ikemoto


Picture from: www.yomiuri.co.jp

1 comment:

Krishna. N. C. said...

Dear Solitaire,
Lovely post! Thanks so much for sharing all these words full of wisdom..(i must admit that you are a fantastic and an avid reader)
"Emptiness is quick to show anger!", what a sharphitting message!
Love your blog dear, keep up the good work!
lots of love and goodwishes:)