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Zen Words: Study and Verbal Teachings on the Path of Zen

Posted on Sep 7th, 2009 by Ted Biringer : Flatbed Sutra Ted Biringer

Once you have deeply experienced and realized the oneness of yourselves, the universe, and the many things, the Zen path calls you to the forge of the ancestors. By using your buddha-eye, that is, your observing prajna, you apply yourselves to discerning the wisdom of buddhas and Zen ancestors. That is how you become proficient in the skills of helping all beings, which is now your true task.

Good friends, the study of the verbal teachings of buddhas and Zen ancestors has always been an integral part of Zen... Unfortunately, some contemporary teachers assert that reading and study are non-essential to Zen. Some even go so far as to imply that reading and study are detrimental to practice and enlightenment, often insisting that sitting meditation is all that is important. This is not a new phenomenon; it has been a recurring plague on Zen down through the ages. Many of the great masters have pointed out the fallacy of this teaching.

~The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing

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Sex, Zen Buddhism, Presumptions and Passions

Posted on Sep 15th, 2009 by Ted Biringer : Flatbed Sutra Ted Biringer
One time, when Louie Wing was walking home from a play with several students, a prostitute accosted him. She said, "There is something about you that makes me think you would be an interesting client. I think that you would enjoy it, too. I will give you a special price, what do you say?"

Louie Wing said, "My lady, it would be an honor." Then he said goodnight to his students and wandered off with the woman.

When word of this spread among his students, many were astonished and Lee confronted him openly, saying, "We thought you were some kind of a wise sage. How could you indulge yourself in sexual pleasure with a hooker?"

Louie Wing said, "Ah! Even the memory of it quickens my pulse!"

~The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing

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Hearing not hearing...

Posted on Sep 23rd, 2009 by Ted Biringer : Flatbed Sutra Ted Biringer

In hearing, there is no hearing. Hearing does not depend on hearing. Hearing is not born and it can never die. When sound arises, hearing does not create it. When sound diminishes, it is not extinguished by hearing. Nor is the nature of hearing created by the arising or diminishing of sound.

Just realize that hearing is unborn and undying. Hearing does not come and go. How can you realize the wisdom of this? Listen! 

The Flatbed Sutra of Louie Wing

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Tagged with: zen, zen teachings