A young disciple once asked his Zen master, “How can I cultivate compassion towards myself as a Spiritual Athlete?” The master replied, “Imagine a person walking through a desert. They are thirsty, tired, and dehydrated. If they come across a well, they will drink from it, even if the water is not perfectly clean or pure. In the same way, the Spiritual Athlete cultivates compassion towards themselves by recognizing their own needs and taking care of themselves, even if they are not perfect or ideal. By practicing self-compassion, they can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness and connection, and ultimately offer greater compassion and empathy to others.”
Anonymous
This koan emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-compassion as a key aspect of the Spiritual Athlete’s journey. Rather than being consumed by self-criticism or perfectionism, the Spiritual Athlete cultivates a deep sense of self-compassion and self-care, recognizing their own needs and taking care of themselves. By practicing self-compassion in their daily life, the Spiritual Athlete can cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace and fulfillment, and ultimately offer greater compassion and empathy to others.
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.