Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
A collection of Zen & Pre-Zen Writings
Compiled by Paul Reps

I had found a site of Zen koans and was starting to post one regularly when the site was shut down. Well, I guess I will have to do it myself. This wonderful book belonged to a dear friend that died over 10 years ago from complications of MS. She bought this book back in 1966. It's still in print. It has the same koans the web site did so I will start putting them up from this book. Or you could go buy it and not have to wait. They are good for my head. I hope they are good for yours.

4. Obedience The Master Bankei's talks were attended not only by Zen students but by persons of all ranks and sects. He never quoted sutras nor indulged in scholastic dissertations. Instead, his words were spoken directly from his heart to the hearts of his listeners. His large audiences angered a priest of the Nichiren sect because the adherents had left to hear about Zen. The self-centered Nichiren priest came to the temple, determined to debate with Banket. "Hey, Zen teacher!" he called out. "Wait a minute. Whoever respects you will obey what you say, but a man like myself does not respect you. Can you make me obey you?" "Come up beside me and I will show you," said Bankei. Proudly the priest pushed his way through the crowd to the teacher. Bankei smiled. "Come over to my left side." The priest obeyed. "No," said Bankei, "we may talk better if you are on the right side. Step over here." The priest proudly stepped over to the right. "You see," observed Bankei, "you are obeying me and I think you are a very gentle person. Now sit down and listen."