The Garden

02.07.19 / News / Author: Martin

Silence is the internal state that is beyond thought, in which there are no concepts, but also judgments, criticism, ideas or mechanical reactions, and if present, does not draw us after them. In this state we perceive what’s new. What’s new? What you have never heard or seen? No, it is more of a discovery, an inner revelation that nothing has to do with memory. A zen story clearly shows us this aspect. Zen stories, or dialogues between teacher and disciple are one of the zen transmission systems. Most of zen literature consists of these anecdotes. Its purpose is always precipitate in the mind of the questioner some type of sudden awareness, or to test the depth of his penetration.

But if they are received in an inappropriate mental state, the mind react mechanically and its effect does not occur. If we listen to them and think: I already know, I’ve already heard it, I know that lose all their effectiveness. It is that seek to go beyond the mind, in this way, the same story manages to be new every time. It is therefore important to maintain a receptive, stop listening to us same State. Then the cup of tea is known the story of Nan-in, a Japanese master that we understand He lived in the Meiji era, and what happened with an intellectual of the time who was intrigued by the influx of young people who flocked to the garden of the master to visit him. Nan-in was admired by his wisdom, his prudence and the simplicity of her life, despite having been in his youth a character who had shone in the Court. When the prestigious intellectual arrived, greeted the teacher and, without further ADO, asked by Zen.

Nan-in offered him tea and served it with all the calm of the world. And although the visitors Cup was full, the teacher continued pouring it. The intellectual saw that tea is poured and already could not restrain himself. – But does not realize that is completely full? There is no longer one drop! Nan-in replied without losing composure nor abandon his friendly smile-, like this Cup you are full of their views. How could you show him what is the way of Zen if not first empty your cup? Angry, the professor stood and with a mere pitch of head were dismissed without a Word. While the teacher collected the pieces of porcelain and wiped the floor, a young man approached for help. -Teacher, how much sufficiency! How difficult must be for the lawyers understand the simplicity of Zen. -Not less than for many young people who come loaded with ambition and not worked to cultivate the disciplines of study. At least, scholars have already a part of the road and have something which become detached. -Then, master, which is the right attitude? -Do not judge, and remain alert.