Home arrow Zen arrow Koans arrow The Stone Mind
Newsflash

For all things difficult to acquire, the intelligent man works with perseverance.

Lao Tzu, B.C. 600

 
The Stone Mind PDF Print E-mail
Hogen, a Chinese Zen teacher, lived alone in a small temple in the country. One day four traveling monks appeared and asked if they might make a fire in his yard to warm themselves.

While they were building the fire, Hogen heard them arguing about subjectivity and objectivity. He joined them and said: "There is a big stone. Do you consider it to be inside or outside your mind?"

One of the monks replied: "From the Buddhist viewpoint everything is an objectification of mind, so I would say that the stone is inside my mind."

"Your head must feel very heavy," observed Hogen, "if you are carrying around a stone like that in your mind."
 
< Prev   Next >