In the village of the Spiritual Athletes, there lived a young disciple who was dedicated to her practice. Every day, she awoke before the sun and trained her body and mind, seeking wisdom and strength.
One day, she approached her guru, her eyes filled with curiosity and her heart overflowing with sincerity. “Master,” she said, “I wish to understand Dharma. How can I live in harmony with the cosmic order and fulfill my purpose?”
The guru looked at her with a gentle smile and said, “Follow me.” He led her to a nearby river, where a tall, sturdy tree stood on the bank, its roots reaching deep into the earth and its branches stretching towards the heavens.
As they stood by the river, the guru picked up a small stone and threw it into the water. Ripples formed, spreading in all directions. He then pointed to the tree and asked the young disciple, “What do you see?”
The Spiritual Athlete contemplated the scene before her and replied, “I see a tree, rooted in the ground, and a river, flowing with the force of nature.”
The guru nodded, “Just as the tree is rooted in the earth and reaches for the sky, and the river flows with the current, so too must you find your grounding and flow with the current of life. Each branch of the tree has its own unique path, and the river’s course changes as it encounters obstacles. Likewise, your Dharma is shaped by your unique gifts and the circumstances you encounter.”
The disciple listened attentively, her eyes fixed on the tree and the ripples in the river.
“Be like the tree, strong and flexible, allowing yourself to bend and sway with the winds of change. Be like the river, patient and persistent, carving your path through life with grace and determination. The essence of Dharma is to be present, adaptable, and true to your nature.”
The Spiritual Athlete contemplated her guru’s words, understanding that the wisdom of Dharma lies in the harmonious dance between one’s inner truth and the ever-changing world around them. And so, she continued her journey, learning to be like the tree and the river, rooted and flowing, as she pursued her path as a Spiritual Athlete.
Anonymous
Read more
The Empty Cup:
Zen Wisdom for Enlightenment
Discover the profound lessons of letting go and embracing emptiness on the path to true enlightenment.
The Cave of Stillness
A journey to the heart of meditation through the tale of a monk’s profound experience in a remote cave. Explore the wisdom of letting go and finding inner peace.
Finding Inner Peace
We embark on a heartwarming journey with a wise sage named Master Rin, set in a tranquil village where the mountains meet the sky. This narrative is more than just a story; it’s an experiential guide to meditation and inner peace.
The Water Pump
Discover the wisdom of presence and find tranquility in life’s simplest moments. Join us as we explore the profound lessons hidden within this timeless koan.
The Wisdom of the River
Embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery with this captivating Zen tale of Master Ryokan and the enigmatic river. Explore the essence of Zen through a timeless koan that reveals the path to enlightenment lies in the art of being present. Join us under the cherry blossom tree as we unravel the profound wisdom of the river’s flow.
The Dog and Buddha-Nature
Delve into the depths of Zen wisdom with this captivating story of Master Hakuin and a skeptical scholar. Explore the paradoxical nature of existence through the enigmatic koan of the dog and Buddha-nature. Join us on a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
The purpose of life
A story set in a tranquil garden, a humble traveler seeks solace and wisdom from a wise monk. Through their profound conversation, the traveler discovers that the purpose of life is to realize God.
A Journey of Perceptions
A transformative quest as a seeker delves into the realm of contemplation, seeking answers about the oneness of existence. Through metaphors of the boundless sky and the unique intricacies of a leaf, profound insights are revealed. Experience the harmony between separateness and interconnectedness, and uncover the tapestry that unites all aspects of existence.
The Gateless Gate
Through enlightening stories and insightful explanations, we delve into the essence of this koan and its transformative teachings. Discover the profound wisdom that lies beyond the realm of duality as we explore the gateless gate, a doorway to boundless consciousness. Join us on this journey of self-discovery and learn how to transcend limitations and experience the expansive freedom of awakened awareness.
The Moon’s Reflection
The Moon’s Reflection reminds us that reality, like the moon’s reflection, is transient and elusive.