by James Cordova
I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old. I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape having ill health. I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death. All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature of change. There is no way to escape being separated from them. My deeds are my closest companions. I am the beneficiary of my deeds.

by James Cordova
“The Way dwells in this bodily likeness. Don’t leave the Way to look for the Way”

by James Cordova
The Gateless Barrier. Case 21.

A monk asked Yun-men, “What is Buddha?”
Yun-men said, “Dried shit-stick.”

by David Rynick, Sensei
Blue Cliff Record. Case 49.
Sansheng asked Xuefeng, “The golden fish has passed through the net. What will it eat?”
Xuefeng said: “I will tell you when you have passed through the net.”
Sancho said, “A great Zen master of 1,500 monks and you still can’t answer this question.”
Xuefeng replied “This old monk is too busy with temple affairs.”

by Melissa Myozen Blacker, Roshi
When the mind’s as is, circumstances also are as is;
There’s no real and also no unreal.
Giving no heed to existence,
And holding not to non-existence –
You’re neither saint nor sage, just
An ordinary man who has settled his affairs.
Easy, so easy!

By Melissa Myozen Blacker, Roshi
Gateless Gate. Case 1.
“A monk asked Chaochou, ‘Has the dog Buddha-nature or not?’
Chaochou said, ‘No.’”