Posted inKoans, MC Podcasts

Teisho: Case 71, Book of Equanimity: Suigan’s “Eyebrows”

September 20, 2018

“… Zen does not impart anything to us, but rather allows us to let go of everything …”

letting go

Koans are able to untie things we didn’t know were tied
and to open things we didn’t know were closed.

Description: This talk begins with a discussion of the power of koans to work on us — “they are little love bombs.” These stories provide us with a glimpse into the world of the great masters, showing us how they moved and spoke and loved. This leads us into Case 71 where Suigan says to his students, “Look here, are Suigan’s eyebrows still there?” Henry addresses the various levels of this question and the three responses from Hofuku, Chôkei and Unmon. For instance, on one level, the question expresses the fact that Zen does not impart anything to us, but rather allows us to let go of everything.

Post & Featured image: Photo by Anthony from Pexels.

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