Zen Wisdom Library
Explore curated teachings, stories, poems, koans, books, and practical tips
What is Your Original Face?
A monk asked Master Huineng: 'What is my original face before my parents were born?' This koan invites you to look beyond concepts, beyond time, to the essence of your being that exists before thought, before identity, before form.
— Huineng
The Sound of One Hand
Master Hakuin asked: 'You know the sound of two hands clapping. What is the sound of one hand?' This koan points beyond dualistic thinking to the realm of direct experience that cannot be grasped by the conceptual mind.
— Hakuin Ekaku
Mu
A monk asked Master Zhaozhou: 'Does a dog have Buddha nature?' Zhaozhou replied: 'Mu!' (No/Nothing). This single syllable has become one of the most famous koans, pointing to the emptiness beyond yes and no.
— Zhaozhou
If You Meet the Buddha
Master Linji said: 'If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him.' This shocking statement reminds us not to cling to concepts, even sacred ones. True awakening lies beyond all forms and ideas.
— Linji Yixuan
The Empty Cup
A learned professor visited a Zen master to inquire about Zen. The master served tea. He poured the visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. 'It is overfull. No more will go in!' The master replied, 'Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?'
— Nan-in
The Muddy Road
Two monks were walking along a muddy road when they came upon a beautiful woman unable to cross. Without hesitation, the older monk picked her up and carried her across. Hours later, the younger monk said, 'We monks are not supposed to touch women.' The older monk replied, 'I left her at the road. Are you still carrying her?'
— Zen Story
Chop Wood, Carry Water
A student asked the master, 'What did you do before enlightenment?' The master replied, 'I chopped wood and carried water.' 'And after enlightenment?' asked the student. 'I chop wood and carry water,' said the master. Enlightenment does not change what you do, but how you do it—with full presence and acceptance.
— Zen Proverb
The Master's Tea
A warrior came to a Zen master and asked, 'What is the difference between heaven and hell?' The master insulted him harshly. Enraged, the warrior drew his sword. The master said calmly, 'That is hell.' The warrior understood, sheathed his sword, and bowed. The master said, 'That is heaven.'
— Zen Story
The Nature of Mind
The mind is like water. When it's turbulent, it's difficult to see. When it's calm, everything becomes clear. Do not try to control the waves of thought. Simply observe them with gentle awareness, and they will settle on their own.
— Zen Teaching
The Present Moment
The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments. When we are truly present, we touch the depth of reality. Past and future are mental constructs. Only now is real.
— Thích Nhất Hạnh
Simplicity
Zen is not about accumulating knowledge or experiences. It is about subtraction, not addition. Remove the unnecessary. Let go of complexity. What remains is the simple, direct experience of being alive.
— Shunryu Suzuki
Non-Striving
In Zen, we practice non-striving. This doesn't mean being passive, but rather acting without forcing, flowing with life rather than against it. When you stop trying so hard, things naturally fall into place.
— Alan Watts
Sitting Quietly
Sitting quietly, doing nothing, Spring comes, and the grass grows by itself. The wild geese do not intend to cast their reflection, The water has no mind to receive their image.
— Matsuo Bashō
The Moon in Water
The moon in the water, Turned by the tide; The shadow of a tree, Swaying in the wind. All things are like this— Appearing and disappearing, Yet never truly coming or going.
— Dōgen Zenji
Autumn Evening
An old silent pond... A frog jumps into the pond— Splash! Silence again. In this moment, the eternal is revealed.
— Matsuo Bashō
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind
In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few. The goal of practice is always to keep our beginner's mind. This book is a collection of informal talks on Zen meditation and practice.
— Shunryu Suzuki
The Way of Zen
This book traces the development and principles of Zen Buddhism, from its roots in Indian and Chinese thought to its flowering in Japan. It explores the philosophy, practice, and art of Zen in accessible language.
— Alan Watts
The Miracle of Mindfulness
A practical guide to mindfulness meditation and living in the present moment. Through simple exercises and teachings, this book shows how to bring awareness to everyday activities and find peace in the midst of daily life.
— Thích Nhất Hạnh
Morning Mindfulness
Begin each day with five minutes of sitting meditation. Simply observe your breath. When thoughts arise, acknowledge them without judgment and return to the breath. This sets a calm foundation for the day ahead.
— Daily Practice
Walking Meditation
Walk slowly and deliberately, feeling each step. Notice the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Coordinate your breath with your steps. This practice brings mindfulness to movement and can be done anywhere.
— Daily Practice
Mindful Eating
Eat one meal a day in complete silence and awareness. Notice the colors, textures, and flavors. Chew slowly. Put down your utensils between bites. This transforms eating from a routine into a meditation.
— Daily Practice
Three Breaths Practice
Throughout the day, pause and take three conscious breaths. Feel the air entering and leaving your body. This simple practice creates moments of presence and helps reset your nervous system during stressful times.
— Daily Practice