Zen Warnings

Zen Warnings is part of the Mumonkan.

To stick to rules and regulations is to tie yourself without a rope. Arbitrary self-indulgence is heresy and devilry. Clinging to silence, is false Zen. Selfish neglect of your surroundings, is falling into a deep pit. Perfectionist watchfulness is wearing the yoke and chains. Thinking good and evil, is attachment to heaven and hell. Addiction to Buddha and the Way, invites banishment beyond the two iron walls. Alternately daydreaming and awakening, is playing with your own spirit. Practicing sitting of the dead, is the devil’s project. Proceeding, you fall into delusion; withdrawing, you go against the truth. When neither proceeding nor withdrawing, you are a breathing corpse. Tell me, how will you do it? Finish it in this life. Don’t let yourself suffer an eternal karmic debt.