If you belong to a 12 Step Group, at one time you will hear someone say, "Upon working the steps, one day you will see where the Steps are working you!" The same can be said when you meditate with Zen koans ... a koan can pop into your life when you least expect it, giving you a new perspective on matters. Here we are practicing with koans to see how they can deepen our understanding of the 12 Steps in new and unexpected ways.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Heads and Tails
A couple of Mondays ago, it was this koan that intrigued me -- Case 38 from the Gateless Gate:
Goso said, "For example, it's like a great cow passing through a latticed window. Her head, horns, and four legs have passed through. Why is it that her tail can't pass through?"
This week I offer you a koan that's not mentioned elsewhere on this blog. Please sit with it for a few days. As Mumon suggests, reflect upon the tail.
Then get back to me and tell me if any Step(s) came to mind in relation to this koan. I look forward to your replies.
And if nothing comes up for you, that's OK, too.
It's just as likely that this koan may affect you in entirely different ways. As Sensai Deb Saint said, "Koans shine a light in the places that need it."
Good sitting to you,
Bill K.
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