Sunday, September 26, 2004

Authentically religious

An authentically religious man is an individual.

He is alone, and in his aloneness there is great beauty, great splendor. I teach you that aloneness. I teach you the beauty, and the grandeur, and the fragrance of aloneness.
In your aloneness you will reach to the heights of Everest. In your aloneness you will be able to touch the farthest star. In your aloneness you will blossom to your total potential.
Never become a believer, never become a follower, never become a part of any organization,never become a part of any religion,never become a part of any nation.
Remain authentically true to yourself.Don't betray yourself.
Osho - Bodhidharma: The Greatest Zen Master, #10

Saturday, September 25, 2004

AN INTERESTING ZEN STORY


THE GIVER SHOULD BE THANKFUL!!

The Master Seistsu required larger premises as the building he was teaching in was very overcrowded.

Umezu, a merchant, decided to donate five hundred gold pieces for the construction of a new building.

Umezu took the money to the teacher and Seistsu said "Alright, I will take it."

Umezu gave the sack of gold to Seistsu, but was very dissatisfied wit the attitude of the teacher
as the amount he had given was very great - one could live for a whole year on three pieces of gold, and the teacher had not even thanked him. "In that sack there are five hundred pieces of gold," hinted Umezu.

"You told me that before," said the teacher Seistsu.

"Even if I am a wealthy merchant, five hundred pieces of gold is a lot of money!" said Umezu.

"Do you want me to thank you for it?" said Seistsu.

"You ought to," said Umezu.

"Why should I?" said Seistsu, "The giver should be thankful!".