Zen

Make your mind like a bell

a big, heavy, brass bell

ornate on the outside

intricate carvings

interwoven design

a great big heavy clapper hanging in the exact centre

the inside of the bell is beautifully cast

smooth, except for tiny lines like you find on a cymbal

as the bell hangs there, it is motionless and still

then, one movement, the clapper strikes

deep and sonorous

vibrating

diminishing

deep in your chest the vibrations can be felt

gradually getting less and less

the metallic edge to the sound a memory in your ear

in the centre of your head where sound meets and focuses

and then

peace again

the echo only in your imagination now

the clapper barely moving

the bell barely moving

your thoughts barely moving

and only a deep inner peace remaining

until you strike the bell again

A Buddhist Tale

Two Buddhist monks were walking along when they came to a raging river. Stood by the bank was an old woman looking across it to the other bank. One monk went to her and asked her if she needed any help, but all she did was point to the other side.

The monk carried the woman across the river on his back and set her down on the other side. She simply walked off without saying a word.

As the two monks continued walking back to the monastery, the monk complained about the woman's ignorance and lack of manners. He kept coming back around to how he'd risked his neck to help her and she didn't even look him in the eye, let alone say thanks.

Eventually, when they got to the monastery, the second monk asked "Are you still carrying that woman on your back?"