The First Principle When one goes to Obaku temple in Kyoto he sees, carved over the gate, the words "The First Principle." The letters are unusually large, and those who appreciate calligraphy always admire them as being a masterpiece. They were drawn by Kosen 200 years ago.  When the master drew them, he did so on paper, from which the workmen made the larger carving in wood. As Kosen sketched the letters, a bold pupil was with him who made several gallons of ink for the calligraphy and who never failed to criticize his master's work.  "That is not good," he told Kosen after his first effort.  "How is that one?"  "Poor, Worse than before," pronounced the pupil.  Kosen patiently wrote on sheet after another until eighty-four First Principles had accumulated, still without the approval of the pupil.  Then, when the young man stepped outside for a few moments, Kosen thought: "Now is my chance to escape his keen eye," and he wrote hurriedly, with a mind free from distraction: "The First Principle"  "A masterpiece," pronounced the pupil.

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones Charles E Tuttle Co.

Try Softer A young boy travelled across Japan to the school of a famous Martial Artist. When he arrived at the dojo he was given an audience by the sensei.  "What do you wish from me?" the master asked  "I wish to be your student and become the finest Karateka in the land," the boy replied "How long must I Study/"  "Ten years at least," the master answered   "Ten years is a long time," said the boy "What if I studied twice as hard as all your other students?"  "Twenty years," replied the master  "Twenty years!, What if I practice day and night with all my effort?"  "Thirty Years," was the master's reply  "How is it that each time I say I will work harder, you tell me that it will take longer?" the boy asked   "The answer is clear. When one eye is fixed upon your destination, there is only one eye left with which to find the way"

Zen in the Martial Arts Tarcher / St. Martin's Press

Three kinds of disciples A Zen master named Gettan lived in the latter part of the Tokugawa era.   He used to say: "There are three kinds of disciples: those who impart Zen to others' those who maintain the temples and shrines, and then there are the rice bags and clothes hangers."  Gasan expressed the same idea. When he was studying under Tekisui, his teacher was very severe. Sometimes he even beat him. Other pupils would not stand for this kind of teaching and quit. Gasan remained, saying: "A poor disciple utilizes a teacher's influence, A fair disciple admires a teacher's kindness, A good disciple grows strong under a teacher's discipline."

Zen Flesh, Zen Bones Charles E Tuttle Co.

Strong Man King Hsuan of Chou heard of Po Kung-I who was reputed to be the strongest man in his kingdom. The King was dismayed when they met, since Po looked so weak. When the king asked Po how strong he was, Po said mildly "I can break the leg of a spring grasshopper and withstand the winds of an autumn cicada."  Aghast, the king thundered, "I can tear Rhinoceros leather and drag nine buffaloes by the tail, yet I am ashamed by my weakness. How can you be famous?"  Po smiled and answered quietly, My teacher was Tzu Shang-chi'ui, whose strength was without peer in the world, but even his relatives never knew it because he never used it."

Zen in the Martial Arts Tarcher / St. Martin's Press

 

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