A Christmas Story: Zen Style
It seems in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, there is a small monastery where the master is illiterate. The teacher was a farmer’s son and he had been taken to the temple when he was very young. He had never learned to read or write but he completed the koan study and came to complete enlightenment.
The teacher didn’t really know other religions except Buddhism, he scarcely realized until he heard the monks discussing Christianity. One of the monks had been to the University of Tokyo and the teacher asked him to explain Christianity.
“I don’t know that much about it,” the monk said. “But I will bring you the holy book of the Christian religion.”
The master sent the monk to the nearest city and the monk returned with the Bible.
“That’s a thick book,” the master said, “and I can’t read. But you can read something to me.” The monk thumbed through the pages and started with the story of baby Jesus and the three wise men.
The monk knew the Bible and then read the Sermon on the Mount. The more he read the more the master was impressed. “That is very beautiful,” he kept saying. “That is very beautiful.” When the monk finished the sermon the master said nothing for a while. The silence lasted so long that he monk put the Bible down, got himself into the lotus position and started meditating.
“Yes,” the teacher said finally. “I don’t know who wrote that, but whoever he was, he was either a Buddha or a Bodhisattva. What you read there is the essence of everything I have been trying to teach you here.”
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moral: we become what we have been subjected to. We are who we are as a direct influence of our environment growing up. We later learn of other cultures and religions, traditions and ways of life. By this time we are pretty much set in our ways but can always learn from what others do. Be open minded.
have a Merry “Zen” Christmas
22 comments
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December 23, 2011 at 5:13 am
willowdot21
That is so so soooooo true!! xx
December 26, 2011 at 12:39 pm
zendictive
(~_~)
December 23, 2011 at 5:15 am
granbee
Art, this is just WAY spooky–it is like you were eavesdropping on myself and my husband as we converse with two local businessmen who are Buddhists, originally from India. We all agreed how much more we all have in common with each other’s faith systems than we have differences. We also discussed Native American spirituality and celebrated the high value the Pueblo Indians and the Buddhists place on peace and non-violence. Those passages from the Christian New Testament certainly carry the core message of Zen Buddhism, it seems to me You will be richly rewarded to posting this message two days before Christmas. God bless you and yours. May your holidays be overflowing with light and love and joy.
December 26, 2011 at 12:40 pm
zendictive
thank you granbee
hope your holidays are filled with joy (~_~)
December 23, 2011 at 6:22 am
rumpydog
There really is very little difference in the writings…. but the way it’s taught makes all the difference. Another reason why Caine Das’ most recent post (http://reflectionofabuddhistmonk.com/2011/12/22/the-sangha-and-the-suffering/) makes so much sense, especially this time of year. Happy holidays!
December 26, 2011 at 12:41 pm
zendictive
wow, that is great (~_~) thanks…
December 23, 2011 at 8:13 am
annedearle
A Merry Christmas to you too, and thank you for all those lovely Zen stories
December 26, 2011 at 12:38 pm
zendictive
bows (~_~) humble
my pleasure
December 23, 2011 at 9:06 am
Janece
Great blessings of joy, peace and prosperity being sent your way this holiday season
December 26, 2011 at 12:38 pm
zendictive
back at-cha mi amiga (~_~) merry christmas
December 23, 2011 at 10:47 am
Linda Vernon
So true. Life is so much more full of surprises when you’re open minded! I have enjoyed reading your blog and want to thank you for all the work you put into it for us! I do appreciate it! 🙂
December 26, 2011 at 12:39 pm
zendictive
I aim to please (~_~) bows humble
December 23, 2011 at 11:24 am
lorrelee1970
So true. Life is so much more enjoyable with an open mind and heart. People who are closed off really miss out on a lot, but sadly, they don’t even realize it.
December 26, 2011 at 12:42 pm
zendictive
thanks (~_~) have a quality christmas
December 23, 2011 at 1:46 pm
Pocket Perspectives
Hi Art, I also was thinking yesterday how closely align Jesus, his life, his teachings, his words and actions are/were to what might be considered a Bodhisattva…and, of course, even higher than that….I think that clearly some people transcend the ordinary and are at a level of “holiness” that has different names in different cultures and traditions…all sublimely special and cherished.
December 26, 2011 at 12:44 pm
zendictive
humans are spiritual in nature and all religions are similar, it is the way we are raised that sets the pace of our religious being and type of religion we believe in, open the mind and allow the facts in and all religions strive for pretty much the same thing. My opinion of course. (~_~)
December 23, 2011 at 11:18 pm
vijay kumar sappatti
Dear Sir, I am so impressed with your blog . I read all your posts. today I am sharing your this story on my page ” Hrudayam” :
The Link : https://www.facebook.com/groups/vijaysappatti/
you are requested to join this group and regularly post your posts there. I will be so thankful to you .
Thanks
Vijay
December 24, 2011 at 7:06 pm
zendictive
vijay
I do not have a facebook account due to security reasons for my employment
but I am glad you like the stories and may post them yourself if you like. (~_~)
I hope to make 2012 the year of enlightenment
December 24, 2011 at 12:20 am
autumnsunshine124
Gabby and I nominated you for the Candle LIghter award, because who deserve it you don’t have to do anything, but say “Thank you” have a great holiday. hugs, Autumn
December 24, 2011 at 7:04 pm
zendictive
bows (~_~) humble
thank you ~Art
December 27, 2011 at 11:54 am
jordanclary
Beautiful! This is a great story. The more I learn about Buddhism the more I’ve come to believe that Jesus is a Bodhisattva.
January 7, 2013 at 6:13 am
WordsFallFromMyEyes
Excellent, Art. I loved this.
‘I don’t know who wrote it’ – thought that was a joke! But no, summed it all up.
Happy new year 🙂