A renowned warrior came to Hakuin and asked him: Master, tell me: do Heaven and Hell truly exist? Instead of answering, Hakuin asked him: Who are you? I am an officer of the personal guard of His Majesty the Emperor. Nonsense! retorted Hakuin. What kind of emperor would keep such a wretch like you by … Read more
No. Always seek the truth of beauty, each time returning to the world of ordinary experience.” Through participation in something seemingly simple, the tea ceremony allowed participants to immerse themselves in their own inner peace and experience a sense of unity with the world. To simultaneously be of elevated spirit, yet present in one’s surroundings. … Read more
…It is important for your spirit to be elevated in the world of true understanding, while not forgetting the value of what is ordinary. Always seek the truth of beauty, always return to the world of ordinary experience… Basho Haiku poetry, like other aspects of Japanese culture, is deeply infused with Zen. What is Zen? … Read more
An attempt to explain women should be freed from demands and expectations, because every attempt to write about a woman is limited by rational discourse. To truly learn something about a woman and have a direct benefit from it in our life, we must empty our minds and be open to the new, as in … Read more
“When we think of fencing, we think of sword fighting techniques. This is quite natural, but incorrect, according to the words of the legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. And indeed, everyone who has heard of Musashi knows that he was much more than just a skilled swordsman. Judging by his calligraphy and ink drawings, he … Read more
When your bow is broken and you no longer have an arrow, then shoot, shoot with your whole being. Zen master Bukoku Kokushi Bows and arrows have always been used as weapons for hunting and warfare in all corners of the world. However, in addition to their practical use, they were also used for ceremonial … Read more
