A Buddha

In Tokyo in the Meiji era there lived two prominent teachers of opposite characteristics. One, Unsho, an instructor in Shingon, kept Buddha's precepts scrupulously. He never drank intoxicants, nor did he eat after eleven o'clock in the morning. The other teacher, Tanzan, a professor of philosophy at the Imperial University, never observed the precepts. When he felt like eating, he ate, and when he felt like sleeping in the daytime, he slept.
One day Unsho visited Tanzan, who was drinking wine at the time, not even a drop of which is supposed to touch the tongue of a Buddhist.
"Hello, brother," Tanzan greeted him. "Won't you have a drink?"
"I never drink!" exclaimed Unsho solemnly.
"One who does not drink is not even human," said Tanzan.
"Do you mean to call me inhuman just because I do not indulge in intoxicating liquids!" exclaimed Unsho in anger. "Then if I am not human, what am I?"
"A Buddha," answered Tanzan.


From 101 Zen Stories

Hahaha, this is really funny!!!

Tons of Sandballs each weighing a ton

Of late, there have been tons of sandballs flying all around me. No where to run, no where to hide. Only to dig my legs into the ground and hold my root while practicing taiji. All is well so far, thanks in no small part to my good Masters from Shinnyo-en who have taught me solid leg and foot work. However, my shoulders and waist ache from all the taijiing. Hopefully with such training, my skills can grow and I would finally be able to taiji the big balls of sand effortlessly without sustaining any major injuries.

With faith.
With strength.
With heart.

The Great Bodhisattva Spirit

"Whatever you would have me do to benefit all beings, let me do it"

Tenzin Palmo