Zen poems and koans are parts of the tradition of Buddhism. They have been written and uttered by the faith believers for the purpose of bringing about knowledge, wisdom, rationality, and others. Zen Buddhism means understanding and interpreting reality in a quite unique way. Through zen poems and koans, one can understand more deeply all the things that surround us. While the former centers on poetry and expression, koans on the other hand help you bring about enlightenment in your life. Here are thirteen examples of zen poems and koans that have a beautiful and insightful theme:

 

ZEN POEMS

I

Effortlessness Beauty

Effortlessness Beauty

the more effortless
the more natural
the more beautiful
the more eternal
the more

II

Mind at Peace

When the mind is at peace,

the world too is at peace.

Nothing real, nothing absent.

Not holding on to reality,

not getting stuck in the void,

you are neither holy or wise, just

an ordinary fellow who has completed his work.

III

Meditation and Mindfulness

in deep meditation
all boundaries drop
awareness is all
wholeness, bliss

in utter mindfulness
unbridled awareness
beholds, appreciates
witnesses, IS

love lovingly loves
the lover and the loved

IV

Koan the Barbarian

what is the hand
of one sound clapping?

V

Suchness

The wind traverses the vast sky,

clouds emerge from the mountains;

Feelings of enlightenment and things of the world

are of no concern at all.

VI

Serenity

At Nantai I sit quietly with an incense burning,

One day of rapture, all things are forgotten,

Not that mind is stopped and thoughts are put away,

But that there is really nothing to disturb my serenity.

VII

Sitting alone on an Autumn Night

I sit alone sad at my whitening hair

Waiting for ten o’clock in my empty house

In the rain the hill fruits fall

Under the lamp grasshoppers sound

White hairs will never be transformed

That elixir is beyond creation

To eliminate decrepitude

Study the absolute.

VIII

Passing the Temple

Tonight he walks with his light stick,

Stops by the Tiger Stream’s source,

Asks us to listen to the mountain sound,

Goes home again by clear waters.

Endless blossoms in the stillness.

Bird-cries deep in the valleys.

Now he’ll sit in empty hills.

IX

My Hovel

The world before my eyes is wan and wasted, just like me.

The earth is decrepit, the sky stormy, all the grass withered.

No spring breeze even at this late date,

Just winter clouds swallowing up my tiny reed hut.

In pine-winds, feel the touch of autumn.

 

 

KOANS

I

If you think you're free, there's no escape possible.

II

Without thinking of good or evil, show me your original face before your mother and father were born.

III

Almost every wise saying has an opposite one, no less wise, to balance it.

Koans and zen poems are not only for those who practice and worship Buddhism. They are for people who need help in order to transform their lives or perhaps need knowledge and enlightenment.

Rare books and rare resources! (highly recommended)
Read the amazing book of “The Message of A Master”
Relaxation Music, Meditation Music , binaural beats on your iphone! Download and install from appstore link!

Apps for Meditation (watch video!) – de-stress, helps you sleep better!

Grow your own Tree of Life (cool game!) Download iphone game app here!