Koans

I am a Zen Buddhist of my own accord since 14, I was brought up a Christian, my relatives are Christian, but I decided to walk into Buddhism..... Much to the disdain of many of my relatives. Of which, one of my uncles serves as a minister in a Church...

Why? Many reasons, but I am not willing to discuss here today...

I have not been reading extensively about Zen, as I used to in the past. This is largely due to my hectic work schedule. However, just yesterday, I picked up a book in the library, Two Zen Classics, and it reminded me of the pleasure that I derive in reading Koans and deciphering them.

Koans, in my opinion are much like parables in the Bible, except they are in the form of poems and not very obvious in the meaning that the author is trying to convey. That is Zen.

Here is one that I really liked that on causation.

Not Falling, not ignoring:
Two faces of one die.
Not ignoring, not falling:
A thousand errors, a million mistakes.

~Mumon's Verses

Go figure.

P.S. I foresee myself posting more of such in the near future, as I am still in the midst of reading the book.