I have added the koan "Tokusan's Bowl" to this site's list of koans. This one came word-for-word from page 27 of the book "afterzen" by Janwillem van de Wetering. This isn't one of the most action packed or super interesting koans, but I think it is very important as it is pretty much the basis of understanding and living in the moment. Remember the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy is that there is no past or future. Now to put a finer point on it, there is a past and future but do they exist? right now? this moment? Think about it. When you understand, you will be nose-to-nose with all of the past and future zen masters.
I have added the koan "Tokusan's Bowl" to this site's list of koans. This one came word-for-word from page 27 of the book "afterzen" by Janwillem van de Wetering. This isn't one of the most action packed or super interesting koans, but I think it is very important as it is pretty much the basis of understanding and living in the moment. Remember the cornerstone of Buddhist philosophy is that there is no past or future. Now to put a finer point on it, there is a past and future but do they exist? right now? this moment? Think about it. When you understand, you will be nose-to-nose with all of the past and future zen masters.