Food For Thought

I was cleaning my bedroom out of boredom when I came across some books on Zen which I bought years ago. Some interesting food for thought:

"When you are hungry, eat; When you are tired, sleep."

This phrase looks absolutely hilarious at first sight, but upon further thoughts it does make sense - although everyone of us do that automatically, how many of us actually really just 'eat' when we are hungry and 'sleep' when we are tired? More often than not, most of us when eating, are full of thoughts and desires and when sleeping, are full of cares.

How many people awake each morning with a mind unburdened by things of the past? One has to dispel dangerous things that cause inner turmoil and live according to one's original nature.

How to lead a better life
A man asked a Zen master on how to live a more fulfilling life.

Zen Master: You need to speak words of Zen, listen to the sounds of Zen, carry out the work of Zen and have the mind of Zen.

Man: What are the words of Zen?

Zen Master: They are factual, cheerful and modest words.

Man: What do you mean by sounds of Zen?

Zen Master: You must transform all sounds that come into your ears into refined ones. i.e. you must be able to turn insults hurled at you into compassionate sounds and transform slander into encouragement; when you no longer take offence at the harsh words of others or anything you consider unpleasant, you will be able to hear the words of Zen.

Man: What is the work of Zen?

Zen Master: It involves charity, service to others and all actions that are in accord with Buddhist teachings.

Man: What is the mind of Zen?

Zen Master: It is the harmony between your mind and the minds of the sages and ordinary people which blesses all beings.