Kong-ans are conundrums — little puzzle stories. Their one and only purpose is that they are an excellent way of putting the student, and very often the teacher too, into the space of don’t-know mind. The mind that stops.
All the things we get, one day we will lose.
What we get or lose doesn't matter actually, how we use them correctly is most important.
Breathing in and breathing out.
Only let go.
Then when everything disappears, the truth is right in front of us.
Everyday we say “I.” “I think this, I want this, I like this.” Even when it's for others, we say “I.” “I just want you to be happy!" What kind of “I” is that?
Question: Is the Kwan Um School of Zen a form of Pureland Buddhism? If so. What does that mean exactly?
Everything in this world—the sun, the moon, the stars, mountains, rivers, and trees—everything is constantly moving.
But there is one thing that never moves.
Don't be distracted by inner peace. Don't be distracted by anxiety. Don't be distracted by anything. What are you doing right now? What is in front of you right now?
If you have a question, ask it and don't worry about what kind of mind you're using.. If you have a question, just ask it and see how it unfolds. And don't worry about questions resolving. If a question resolves, then it's been killed, and it's not alive anymore.
Even if you understand all the Buddha’s speech, if you cannot demonstrate this understanding when called upon, it is worth nothing. Dry cognition cannot help your life.
