Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. Nan-in...

Shoun became a teacher of Soto Zen. When he was still a student his father passed away, leaving him to...

Tosui was a well-known Zen teacher of his time. He had lived in several temples and taught in various provinces....

A young physician in Tokyo named Kusuda met a college friend who had been studying Zen. The young doctor asked...

A lord asked Takuan, a Zen Teacher, to suggest how he might pass the time. He felt his days very...

After Bankei had passed away, a blind man who lived near the master's temple told a friend: "Since I am...

Ryokan devoted his life to the study of Zen. One day he heard that his nephew, despite the admonitions of...

In South Africa Gandhi set up an ashram at Phoenix, where he started a school for children. Gandhi had his...

When Banzan was walking through a market he overheard a conversation between a butcher and his customer. "Give me the...

Gutei raised his finger whenever he was asked a question about Zen. A boy attendant began to imitate him in...

Mokugen was never known to smile until his last day on earth. When his time came to pass away he...

Zen pupils take a vow that even if they are killed by their teacher, they intend to learn Zen. Usually...