In China and Japan meditation masters, often in the monasteries, would give teisho,regular talks about the training, to their disciples. Over time certain stories became famous for their ability to provide deep insight.

    Seeing is Believing, Right?

    The Iceberg Story

    There's far more to ourselves than we realise.

    Nothing Further to Seek

    Sentient beings are already endowed with the Buddha nature, so why aren’t we all Buddhas?

    The Story of Sanakavasa

    "The Story of Sanakavasa" explores the life of the Buddhist monk Sanakavasa, his spiritual journey, teachings, and legacy as a direct disciple of Ānanda and a key figure in early Buddhism.

    Just Lay Down The Heart

    Zen Training Stories

    The thought of having to bow may leave us feeling uneasy but through this act we can discover the essence of the Buddhist path.

    The Boy and the Bell

    Zen Training Stories

    A young boy is praised for breaking the Temple rules.

    The Demon Waits

    Zen Training Stories

    The demon Redeye stands guard over a Bodhi Tree waiting for a man who would reach full awakening. The Buddha’s enlightenment story, as told from the point of view of the Demons.

    The Widow and the Calligrapher

    Zen Training Stories

    When life took its toll on a woman, who had become embittered and lonely, a chance encounter with a calligrapher gives her the key to turning it all around. 

    The Story of Bodhidharma

    Martin Goodson

    Bodhidharma is the legendary founder of the Zen/Chan Buddhist school, who came from India to China to teach the Buddhist way.

    Zen Master Eno Daikan

    Eno Daikan shows the Wisdom-of-the-Heart in practice as well as he struggles to attain Enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.

    Stories from the Life of Master Daiyu Myokyo (Myokyo-ni)

    A collection of teaching stories from the life of a contemporary...

    Daiyu Myokyo Zenji (1921-2007) was born in Austria, moved to the U.K. and then trained in Daitokuji monastery in Kyoto from 1960-72. She received inka from Kannun Sojun Roshi, returned to the U.K. and spent the rest of her life teaching the Zen Way. She often used anecdotes from her own life to illustrate her teachings. Here are a selection of those stories.

    BODHIDHARMA: Reverence - The Way to the One Heart

    Oneness' requires the heart to be empty of 'I', this is why reverence is such an important spiritual sentiment. This article explains how it also acts as a gateway to the heart-wisdom of the Zen masters.

    Gentling the Bull Podcast Series

    A series of ten talks on the Zen training.
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