A talk and meditation at the Taijitu House of Om, Dubai
Wonderful story...
Any wandering monk can remain in a Zen temple, provided he wins a debate about the teachings with those who live there. If he is defeated however, he must move on.
In a temple in the northern part of Japan two brother monks were dwelling together. The elder one was learned, but the younger one was rather stupid and had but one eye.
A wandering monk came and asked for lodging, properly challenging them to a debate about the sublime teachings. The elder brother, tired that day from much studying, told the younger one to take his place.
"Go and request the dialogue in silence," he cautioned.
So the younger monk and the stranger went to the shrine and sat down.
Shortly afterwards the traveler rose and went in to the elder brother and said: "Your young brother is a wonderful fellow. He has defeated me."
"Relate the dialogue to me," said the elder one.
"Well," explained the traveler, "first I held up one finger, representing Buddha, the enlightened one. So he held up two fingers, signifying Buddha and his teachings, the Dharma. So then I held up three fingers, representing Buddha, his Dharma, and his community, the Sangha. Then he shook his clenched fist in my face, indicating that all three actually come from one realization. Thus he won and so I have no right to remain here." With this, the traveler bowed left.
Just then the younger monk came running and asked, "Where is that rascal hiding?"
"I understand you won the debate?"
"Won nothing. I'm going to beat him up."
"Tell me what happened," asked the elder one.
"Why, the minute he saw me he held up one finger, insulting me by insinuating that I have only one eye. Since he was a stranger I thought I would be polite to him, so I held up two fingers, congratulating him that he has two eyes. Then the impolite wretch held up three fingers, suggesting that between us we only have three eyes. So I got mad and was about to punch him, but he ran out before I could catch him!"
Sarvam Brahmamayam Lyrics...
Composed by: Sadaashiva Bruhmendrar
sarvam brahmamayam rE rE
sravam brahmamayam
kim vachaneeyam kima vachaneeyam
kim rachaneeyam kima rachaneeyam
kim paThaneeyam kima paThaneyam
kim bhajaneeyam kima bhajaneeyam
kim bOddhavyam kima bOddhavyam
kim bhOktavyam kima bhOktavyam
sarvatra sadA hamsa dhyAnam
kArtavyam bhO mukti nidAnam
Everything is Brahma Mayam; All is just the Limitless One
1. What may be spoken and what may not be spoken, what can be created and what may not be created
2. What may be studied and what not to be studied, what may be recited and what may not be recited
3. What may be taught and what may not be taught; what may be enjoyed and what may not be enjoyed - everything is HIS creation and HIS work.
4. So, always immerse yourself in the sense of being one with that Limitless One and that will surely liberate you
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