Happy Chinaman
December 27th 2006 11:54
Category: Oriental Thoughts
Anyone walking about Chinatown in America will observe statues of a stoud fellow carrying a linen sack. Chinese merchants call him Happy Chinaman or Laughing Buddha.
This Hotei lived in the Tang Dynasty. He had no desire to call himself a Zen master or to gather many disciples about him. Instead he walked the streets with a big sack into which he would put gifts of candy, fruit, or doughnuts. These he would give to children who gathered around him in play. He established a kindergarden of the streets.
Whenever he met a Zen devotee he would extend his hand and say:"Give me one penny." And if anyone asked him to return to a temple to teach others, again he would reply; "Give me one penny"
Once he was about his play-work another Zen master happened along and inquired: "What is the significance of Zen?"
Hotei immediately plopped his sack down on the ground in silent answer.
"Then", asked the other, "What is the actualization of Zen?"
At once the Happy Chinaman swung the sack over his shoulder and continued on his way.
Source: Zen Flesh, Zen Bones
| 62 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
WeR1Family
Comment by WeR1Family
Stories of Wisdom
Lone - My Life and Thoughts
-Lao Tzu
Eternal truths are beyond words
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog
Give me one penny.
Comment by Adrian
Philosophy Blog