The Buddha Says: Learning Life Philosophies from Zen

Living life according to Buddhist teachings is actually not boring at all.

The body is a temple, and the ears are Bodhi; in life, where can one not practice spiritual cultivation?

Over a hundred Zen stories light a beacon for you, accompanying you through the storms of life.

Using various short stories, this book teaches readers how to apply Zen wisdom flexibly in daily life.

Zen can cultivate one's temperament, temper one's will, and enhance one's character.

After putting the philosophies of this book into practice, you will find your soul lighter, your life smoother, and your career more successful!

【On Conduct...】

An eminent monk received a visiting lay Buddhist. However, at mealtime, there was only one small bowl and one large bowl left. The monk pushed the large bowl toward the visitor, who began eating immediately. The monk couldn't help but frown, thinking the visitor lacked humility.

Seeing the monk's displeasure, the visitor said, "Since you offered me the large bowl, if I pushed it back, wouldn't that go against your sincerity? Is your gesture not genuine? If you aren't sincere, why do it?"

★ Treating others with sincerity is the most precious way to live! If one acts with hypocrisy or excessive politeness, how can one make true friends?

【On Handling Affairs...】

An eminent monk skilled in divination calculated his own fate and found his death would occur the day after tomorrow at dawn. After the initial shock, he calmly arranged his affairs. However, as the time approached, there were no signs of death. He began to worry his calculation was wrong and that people would lose faith in his reputation. As the sun rose, he chose to jump from the scripture library...

★ No one is immune to mistakes! Therefore, having the courage to take responsibility is the wisest course. Never commit a greater error just to save face.

【On Learning...】

A woman wanted to practice in a temple. A Zen master told her: "Your breath is the chanting, your pulse is the bell and drum, your body is the temple, and your ears are Bodhi. There is peace everywhere; why must you live in a temple?"

★ No matter where you are, if you have the heart and put in the effort, you can learn and achieve a meaningful life anywhere!

【On Mindset...】

A Zen master caught a thief rummaging through his home. Because the master was very poor, the thief found no money. The master took off his outer coat and said, "You came a long way to visit me; I cannot let you leave empty-handed. Take this coat!" The thief fled in a panic. The next day, the master found his coat neatly folded at his doorstep.

★ Replace punishment with forgiveness and scolding with understanding. Facing the world with a broad mind not only widens your own path but also lights the way for others!

Is the chaos of the world making you irritable?

Do interpersonal relationships often leave you exhausted?

Do you feel that work and life are constantly hitting snags?

Come read the stories in Buddhism!

Perhaps this book can open a brand-new perspective for you to view the world.