What is Zen?

It is said that the Budai (laughing Buddha) travelled around giving candy to poor children, only asking a penny from Zen monks or lay practitioners he meets. One day a monk walked up to him and asked, “What is the meaning of Zen?”.

Budai dropped his bag.

The monk then asked, “How does one realize Zen?”.

Budai then took up his bag and continued on his way.

– Unknown Author, Zen Tradition

Author: Bite-Size Dhamma

I'm a Buddhist layperson, trying to live well and skilfully with compassion, generosity, and discernment. I work in the field of housing law and homelessness. I have a beautiful kind wife and a very cute dog. View all posts by Bite-Size Dhamma