Koan Study: Holding On

A student asked, “Master, is there no way to hold on to Tao?” Master Li said, “Can you hold on to the smoke from this stick of incense?”

Koan Study: The Most Essential Teaching

“Master, what is the most essential teaching?” asked a student. Master Li replied, “That which I cannot teach you and you can only learn yourself.”

Koan Study: Tigers

“What is fear Master?” asked a student. Master Li answered, “Fear is when after dark, all cats become tigers.”

Loss and Gain

In every loss, there is gain and in every gain, there is loss. Sometimes we gain more value by adding. Sometimes we gain value by subtracting. Know that for every change we make, another change occurs we may not be aware of. We should always try to grasp what all ramifications will be before acting . See beyond the obvious and look for what lies in the shadows.

Koan Study: Before The Kiln

Master Li once told his students, “Your mind should be one of a clay pot not yet fired in the kiln.”

Koan Study: Coincidence

One time a student who was constantly complaining walked up to Master Li and said, “You are the absolute worst teacher I have ever had.” Master Li looked at him and said, “No, that could not be. It would be too great a coincidence.”

Superstitions

Superstitions keep a mind in the dark, away from the light of wisdom. They are a most powerful magnet that pulls one in the direction of their beliefs. These beliefs can be very controlling and have great influence. They cause people to do foolish things. They create fear. One should be free of superstitions as the Tao has no superstitions, no fear, no beliefs. It is just the pure and natural way. We cannot live freely if we are held in bondage by superstitions and false beliefs. It is important to use the light of Tao, and free the mind from fear.

The Butterfly

Long ago Chuang Chou dreamed he was a butterfly. He was very joyful as a butterfly, well pleased with his existence, his aims fulfilled. He knew nothing of Chou the man. But shortly he awoke and found himself again to be Chuang Chou. And he could not tell whether as Chou he had dreamed he was a butterfly or whether as a butterfly he had dreamed he was Chou. Is this existence we call life merely a dream? Is death then, an awakening?

Koan Study: The Well

“Master, why do you not speak of the goodness of Zen?” Master Li replied, “The instant you speak about how wonderful Zen is, you have polluted the well.”

True Path

To be one with the universe, each must find his true path and follow it. As each person is different, so too is each path. My path does not look like yours, or yours mine. Yet, it is the following of the Way of Tao that we have in common. The Tao cannot be held down to one shape, so how could all the paths of its followers? When we find our way in life, the seas are calm, the wind that blows gentle. Each path though different, finding its way back to the source from where we came. Peace comes within when we realize that oneness with the universe, when we realize it is really everywhere and this is true within each one of us.

Koan Study: Making A Mistake

A student inquired of Master Li, “Master, every time we make a mistake, do we disrespect the Tao?” Master Li smiled and said, “The moon is not shamed by the barking of dogs.”

Chi

Our bodies have a limited amount of chi (energy). It is often up to us whether this chi is positive or negative. Our aim should be to rid the body of all negative chi. We can do this by meditating and living as one with the Tao. Negative chi causes many illnesses, both physically and mentally. It can block the flow that keeps us in harmony with all. When our chi is flowing and positive, many things become possible. Our mind and body becomes one and fills with great strength. Do all you can to achieve a healthy flow of chi and be in harmony.

Koan Study: Exactly

“It is a beautiful day today, isn’t it Master” called out a student. Master Li said, “Nothing is exactly as it seems, nor is it otherwise.”

All Are One

When we use a pool cue, the cue, the cue ball, and the target are one. They are not many things or different things but one thing. They are all dependent upon one another. Without the cue, there is nothing to shoot the cue ball. Without the cue ball, there is nothing for the pool cue to strike. Without the target, the cue and the cue ball have nothing to aim at. All these things work together to make something happen. All the billions of things of the Tao are one, all working together, in harmony.

Koan Study: A Mere Strand

“I do not understand Master, he was a good man, he led a good life, one free from violence and from harming others, yet he was struck down.” said a grieving student after the death of a fellow student. Master Li told him, “Man does not weave the web of life. He is merely a strand in it.”

Waging War

To be at peace, we must wage war against those things that prevent it; unhealthy desires, laziness, ignorance. These things stop inner harmony from occurring. Every bone in our body must be a dagger ready to strike at anything less. We wage war not with violence, but with wisdom. A good soldier is never violent, a good fighter not angry. It is the calming wind that tames the churning sea. It is the generation of peace and understanding of the Way that will overcome the forces that seek to prevent it.

Koan Study:Wiser

“Master, do we become wiser with age?” asked a student. Master Li replied, “The evening is always wiser than the morning, but some fail to wear a watch."

Koan Study: The Hungry Wolf

“Master, when we leave this temple, what will happen?” Master Li said, “The wolf is always out there waiting, and the wolf is always hungry.

Digging A Hole

When we are digging a hole, we can either dig ourselves a grave or seek to carve out a well that will provide us with life giving water. The choice is up to us. The work is the same. The dirt is no cleaner either way. It takes the same amount of effort to move the dirt. We decide whether our work is for a good cause or not. So much effort is spent by some shoveling themselves into a grave for reasons that are foolish. It is better to be wise and use your labor to dig and find something that is useful. Let the way of the Tao be your shovel.

Koan Study: Life

A student once asked Master Li, “What is life?” Master Li told him, “What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a horse in the wintertime. It is the shadow that runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”

Fear

It is natural to be fearful sometimes but the Way teaches us that we know that what will happen, will happen whether we are fearful or not. Fear is something we must overcome. If we step away from fear the path to resolution becomes clear. To be fearful is a waste. It is far better to correct what we are fearful of instead. We must be the raindrop that falls unafraid of its destiny.

Koan Study: Snowflake

A student was being chastised by Master Li for leaving a grain of rice in his alms bowl. The student said, “I am sorry Master, but was my wrong not insignificant? It was only one grain of rice” Master Li responded, “We are taught to eat everything in our alms bowl as a sign of gratitude. One snowflake is insignificant, yet it can trigger an avalanche.”

Holding On To Pain

We are all subject to pain at one time or another. If however, we do not grasp and hold the pain, it shall pass like a storm cloud and let the sun shine once more. We can learn from the pain. There is an old saying, “If it does not kill you, it will make you stronger.” We can transform the pain into strength. We can go beyond. We know that pain and pleasure are closely linked. The voice that can cry out in pain, can also give voice to laughter and joy. Pain is a hot coal grasped by the hand, let go of it. Do not continue holding it and letting it burn you.

Koan Study: Nothingness

A student once said, “Are we not like the snow in the valley Master, that arrives and then melts away into nothingness?” Master Li said, “When the snow melts away, does not the snow leave nourishing water, and soon is there not green grass underneath?”

The Cabin

A small modest shack in the deep woods, some wind chimes dancing in a gentle wind, a river splashing nearby. It is a peaceful place. A place where we can go for shelter, solace, relief from that which threatens our inner sanctity. A place where we can enjoy the warmth of the sun’s rays, or listen to the tapping of raindrops on the roof, or sit on the front porch and feel a comforting breeze. This place can be found within, built strong by an understanding of Tao and by applying its teachings.

Koan Study: Achieving

A student inquired, “Master, how do I achieve oneness?” Master Li answered, “There is nothing to achieve.”

The Essence

Sometimes it is the man who can see that is the most blind. Because, he can see, he does not look. He does not go beyond the superficial. For us to understand the Way, we must be able to look. Our eyes must see deeply into all things so that our mind can think deeply and understand the ultimate essence of all. It has been said that if we hold a flower and call it a flower, it is not true. However, if you feel the essence of the flower, we are closer to the truth.

Koan Study: Expectations

“What are expectations?” said a student to Master Li. Master Li responded, “Expectations are the hunter that beats a drum while hunting for big game.”

Reacting

In every journey, there is sadness, tragedy, disappointment. It is not the event that defines us, but how we react to the event. A mountain may lose part of itself to landslide or avalanche. Yet, it remains a mountain, standing tall and proud. It is important to remember this when we face difficult times. The only hope of our freeing ourselves from negativity lies in our own understanding of this truth.

Koan Study: A Raindrop

A student once asked Master Li, “How do I overcome fear?” Master Li answered, “Be the raindrop that falls from the sky, unfettered and unafraid of its destination.”

Patience

In ancient times, new students often had to stand outside temples for days and days before they would be admitted to study zen. They had to show how great their patience was to the monks inside. We too must show great patience. We cannot expect to get what we want when we want it all of the time. Sometimes, one must wait. Snow does not melt and disappear immediately with the first ray of sun. To demonstrate patience is to demonstrate a working knowledge of the Tao.

Koan Study: Repeating

“Master, I was in such a beautiful meditative state last night. How do I repeat such an experience?” inquired a student. Master Li responded, “You cannot enter the river in the same place twice no matter how often you go there.”

Alone

When many people hear the word alone, they think of sadness. There is a common belief that being alone is bad. This is incorrect. There are many good things about being alone, a chance to hear your own heartbeat, thoughts, whispers. Being alone can be a joyous time just as being with others. People who like to be alone are often looked upon suspiciously by society as though they were plotting something or just eccentric. They are often given the nickname of being a ‘loner’ which has a negative meaning. Those who follow the path of Tao cannot expect to be understood nor should they concern themselves with the follies and misconceptions of others.

Koan Study: Carrying A Heavy Stone

Master Li saw a student who read constantly reading yet another book of Zen. “Let me find a large, heavy stone for you to carry around on your back!” called out Master Li.

Balance

It is essential to maintain balance in life. Do but not do too much. Eat to maintain, not to fullness. Exercise the body but not to an extreme. Finding the correct balance is what allows us to be in harmony with the Tao. The Tao is always balanced, always in control, always in harmony with itself. When one loses his balance, he is no longer in control. He then becomes subject to making mistakes, falling down, and losing the way of Tao. Seek grace in every step, control in every breath. To live in balance is to live in balance with the Tao.

Koan Study: Leave No Footprints

Master Li once told a student, “Walk softly on the beach of Tao and try to leave no footprints.” The student answered, “How is this possible Master?” Master Li responded, “It is possible, for those with understanding.”

Just Words

Body, mind, Zen, Tao, and spirit. It is a cliché these days to hear these words. They are usually used to market products that have less to do with helping and more to do with making a profit for someone. Yet, look beyond that and know that synchronizing their needs with yourself is of utmost importance. Practicing the wisdom of the Tao, meditation, stillness, good eating habits and exercise and a reverence for all things in the universe are items that cannot be purchased from a trendy product.

Koan Study: The Unexpected

Master Li once told all students that there would be a feast on the coming Sunday. All week, the temple buzzed with anticipation. On Sunday, the students all entered the dining hall expecting a great meal. when they arrived however, there was no food to be found and no one in the kitchen. As they stood there bewildered, Master Li walked in. He turned to them and said, “There is always the unexpected.” With that, he walked out.

Avoid Toxins

Do your utmost to keep your mind free and clear. Avoid the toxins that we come into contact with so frequently. Mass media often leads to mass amounts of trash that can clog your chi. Find those who are like-minded as you and seek purity. Eliminate mental muddiness and physical sludge, keep your mind crystal clear. Use your understanding of the Tao as a filter to keep out unwanted items.

Koan Study: Choppy Waters

Master Li was walking by the river when he came upon a student. “What are you doing” called out the Master. The student explained he was looking into the water to see his reflection but the water was choppy and he could not see himself. “Ah, same as mind” said Master Li.

Koan Study: Dance To The Music

A student once told Master Li that he had a great fear of death. “When death sounds its trumpet, what are we to do?" Master Li said, "Dance!"

Simple Lives

In ancient times, people sought out to live simple lives. They did not become trapped by thinking too much, but instead would seek ways to integrate mind, body, and spirit in all they did. The ancient Taoists had very simple minds. They were uncluttered. They lived very simply without all the hesitations the modern person has today. They knew the difference between right and wrong. They knew and they acted accordingly. If you want to live in harmony, you must have harmony between body, mind, and spirit in all you do. Choose food, clothing, and shelter that accords with nature. Keep your mind and deeds pure. Uncomplicate your life as much as possible. Simplify. Practice addition through subtraction. If you can follow these simple old ways, you will be continually renewed.

Koan Study: The Secret

Master Li was once asked by a student, “What is the secret to meditation?” Master Li responded, “Don’t give a damn what happens.”

The Source

Everything is brought about by yin and yang. There can be no life without death, no beauty without ugliness, no joy without sorrow, no yes without no. It is the one thread that holds all things together. If you go searching for the source, your trip will be fruitless. The source of the universe ultimately cannot be known or attained. It is a great invisible river flowing forever through all things, a majestic mountain seeing over all.

Koan Study: The Greatest Truth

A student once asked Master Li was the greatest truth was. Master Li said, “If I told you, you would not believe me.” The student said, “Yes I would Master. I would believe you.” Master Li proceeded to say, “Alright then, here it is. I am an incompetent, totally ignorant of teaching and the Tao itself.”

Vibration

The vibration of the Tao resonates through all things. Can you quiet your mind and see it in the mountain before you? In the pine tree? Feel it in the wind that brushes your cheek? Within yourself? Do not think that you can discover it by accumulating more knowledge. The thirst for knowledge creates only more thirst, more doubt. Remain still and you will feel the vibrations. Become one with all before you and you feel it within you and see it everywhere you go.

Koan Study: The Silent Message

Once after meditation, Master Li was scheduled to give a talk. He stood up and smiled at the students and then walked out of the building without saying a word. A few days later, a student walked up to Master Li and said, “Master, that was so powerful last week. We were all touched by that silent message you gave us.” Master Li frowned and said, “Actually, I had laryngitis and could not speak. I do not know what silent message you are talking about.”

The Same Direction

It is not impossible to be at war with the world, yet have inner peace? All energies must be directed the same way. A cart attached to one horse facing one way, and another horse facing the opposite way will not advance. It will only promote a struggle. If we want peace, we must pull in the same direction in synchronicity with the Tao. It is this understanding that brings peace. We can fight injustice and wrong and yet still remain serene. It is quiet that calms the noise. Remain quiet and discover the harmony of your own being.

Koan Study: Fast or Feast?

During a talk, Master Li said that everyone must fast for seven days. This proved to be very difficult for many. On the fifth day, one priest decided to ask Master Li if they could end the fast that day as many were suffering, mentally if not physically. When he walked into Master Li’s hut he found the Master enjoying a sumptuous meal. The shocked priest said “Master, why are you eating when you said that everyone should be doing a fast?” Master Li said, “Did I say fast? I meant feast. You should not have just listened to what I said, but instead found out what I was doing.”