Stone Mind

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.”


This story can be found in a book entitled Zen Flesh, Zen Bones, a translation of a 13th century work entitled Collection of Stone and Sand.

1 Stars2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
(Rate it!)

Personalized recommendations

(As you rate more content, we tailor the recommendations just for you)

Recommended Zen stories

Recommended articles


Recommended quotes


Want to remember your ratings for next time? Save your profile!
Existing users: Log in here!