Understanding the teaching, I see the footprints of the bull. Then I learn that, just as many utensils are made from one metal, so too are myriad entities made of the fabric of self. Unless I discriminate, how will I perceive the true from the untrue? Not yet having entered the gate, nevertheless I have discerned the path.

~The Ten Bulls of Zen
@GatelessGate

The master Bankei’s talks were attended not only by Zen students but by persons of all ranks and sects. He never quoted sutras nor indulged in scholastic dissertations. Instead his words were spoken directly from his heart to the harts of his listeners.
His large audiences angered a priest of the Nichiren sect because the adherents had left to hear about Zen. The self-centered Nichiren priest came to the temple determined to debate with Bankei.
‘Hey, Zen teacher,’ he called out. ‘Wait a minute. Whoever respects you will obey what you say, but a man like myself does not respect you. Can you make me obey yon?’
‘Come up beside me and I will show you,’ said Bankei.
Proudly the priest pushed his way through the crowd to the teacher.
Bankei smiled. ‘Come over to my left side.’
The priest obeyed.
‘No,’ said Bankei, ‘we may talk better if you are on the right side. Step over here.’
The priest proudly stepped over to the right.
‘You see,’ observed Bankei, ‘you are obeying me and I think you are a very gentle person. Now sit down and listen.’

~Zen Story
@GatelessGate

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.

~Lao Tzu
@GatelessGate

All that is required to become free of the ego is to be aware of it, since awareness and ego are incompatible.

~Eckhart Tolle
@GatelessGate

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912) received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in saved tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.
The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. ‘It is overfull. No more will go in!’
‘Like this cup,’ Nan-in said. ‘You are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup? ‘

~Zen Story
@GatelessGate

Most of us are frightened of dying because we don't know what it means to live. We don't know how to live, therefore we don't know how to die. As long as we are frightened of life we shall be frightened of death.

~Jiddu Krishnamurti
@GatelessGate

When one hears the voice, one can sense its source. As soon as the six senses merge, the gate is entered. Wherever one enters one sees the head of the bull! This unity is like salt in water, like color in dyestuff. The slightest thing is not apart from self.

~The Ten Bulls of Zen
@GatelessGate

It is very difficult to sacrifice one's suffering. A man will renounce any pleasures you like but he will not give up his suffering.

~George Ivanovich Gurdjieff
@GatelessGate

Whatever he was asked about Zen, Master Gutei simply stuck up one finger.
He had a boy attendant whom a visitor asked, “What kind of teaching does your master give?” The boy held up one finger too. Hearing of this, Gutei cut off the boy’s finger with a knife. As the boy ran away, screaming with pain, Gutei called to him. When the boy turned his head, Gutei stuck up one finger. The boy was suddenly enlightened.
When Gutei was about to die, he said to the assembled monks, “I received this one-finger Zen from Tenryū. I’ve used it all my life but have not exhausted it.” Having said this, he entered nirvana.

💎Zen Kōan💎
@GatelessGate

Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment.

~Rumi
@GatelessGate

Twenty monks and one nun, who was named Eshun, were practicing meditation with a certain Zen master.
Eshun was very pretty even though her head was shaved and her dress plain. Several monks secretly fell in love with her.
One of them wrote her a love letter, insisting upon a private meeting.
Eshun did not reply. The following day the master gave a lecture to the group, and when it was over, Eshun arose.
Addressing the one who had written her, she said: ‘If you really love me so much, come and embrace me now.’

~Zen Story
@GatelessGate

Wherever you are is the entry point.

~Kabir
@GatelessGate

He dwelt in the forest a long time, but I caught him today! Infatuation for scenery interferes with his direction. Longing for sweeter grass, he wanders away. His mind still is stubborn and unbridled. If I wish him to submit, I must raise my whip.

~The Ten Bulls of Zen
@GatelessGate

Every addiction arises from an unconscious refusal to face and move through your own pain. Every addiction starts with pain and ends with pain.

~Eckhart Tolle
@GatelessGate

God picks up the reed-flute
world and blows.
Each note is a need coming
through one of us, a passion, a longing pain.
Remember the lips where the wind-breath originated,
and let your note be clear.
Don’t try to end it.

Be your note.

I’ll show you how it’s enough.
Go up on the roof at night in this city of the soul.
Let everyone climb on their roofs
and sing their notes!
Sing loud!

~Rumi
@GatelessGate

"Calm waters of your mind, and the universe and the stars will be reflected in your soul."

~Rumi
@GatelessGate

Your longing for me is my message to you,
All your attempts to reach me,
Are in reality my attempts to reach you.

~Rumi
@GatelessGate