Transient
A famous spiritual teacher came to the front door of the King’s palace. None of the guards tried to stop him as he entered and made his way to where the King himself was sitting on his throne. “What do you want?” asked the King, immediately recognizing the visitor.”I would like a place to sleep in this inn,” replied the teacher.
“But this is not an inn,” said the King, “It is my palace.”
“May I ask who owned this palace before you?”
“My father. He is dead.”
“And who owned it before him?”
“My grandfather. He too is dead.”
“And this place where people live for a short time and then move on, did I hear you say that it is not an inn?”
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.
(Rate it!)
Personalized recommendations
(As you rate more content, we tailor the recommendations just for you)Recommended Zen stories
Recommended articles
Relating to our moods: labeling and monitoring
Why physical and mental pain is priceless
Now is the time!
Don't be competitive!
Practise patience!
Why physical and mental pain is priceless
Now is the time!
Don't be competitive!
Practise patience!
Recommended quotes
Want to remember your ratings for next time? Save your profile!
Existing users: Log in here!