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Joshu’s Zen

October 8th, 2009

Joshu began the study of Zen when he was sixty years old and continued until he was eighty, when he realized Zen.

He taught from the age of eighty until he was one hundred and twenty.

A student once asked him: “If I haven’t anything in my mind, what shall I do?”

Joshu replied: “Throw it out.”

“But if I haven’t anything, how can I throw it out?” continued the questioner.

“Well,” said Joshu, “then carry it out.”

You Might Also Enjoy:

  1. Nansen’s Ordinary Mind
  2. Joshu’s Washing The Bowl
  3. Joshu’s Oak Tree In The Garden
  4. Joshu’s Hermit
  5. Joshu Investigates An Old Woman

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