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6 Awesome Zen Stories That Will

Teach You Important Life Lessons
by Matt Valentine - Get email updates of new posts here

Zen has a rich tradition of storytelling. Actually, just about the entire human race has a rich
history of storytelling. Why do we like stories so much? Because we can identify with them.
Stories, whether real or not, pull and tug at our emotions. We connect personally with
stories.
Whereas someone can tell us that its important for us to appreciate and care for our
parents, another person can tell us a story about the life of a daughter and her mother, and
about how neither could ever see eye-to-eye all the way up until the day that the mother
passed away.
Even if you arent a daughter, but a son, or if it was your father whom you had that type of
relationship with, or even if you just feel like you dont appreciate your mother or father (or

both) enough, regardless, a story like that can touch you in a way that someone simply
telling you, hey, its important that you appreciate your parents, could never do.
We need to experience something directly in order to really learn what its about. This is
wisdom, as opposed to knowledge much like youd acquire in a class at school, a parrot-like
type of learning that serves as a nice basis for establishing the necessary foundation for
certain larger tasks, but which can serve little real use elsewhere particularly in advancing
your well-being.
I love Zen stories. Not just because I find them fun, because I do (most Zen Buddhist short
stories require some level of meditative contemplation to figure out), I love them because
their purpose is to teach a lesson. Also, Zen short stories go beyond just Zen. Theyre really
just stories about life. So keep in mind I only say Zen stories because they originated from
the Zen Buddhist tradition. They speak of truths which everyone can learn from though (as
does all of Zen).
The lesson can be anything- any undeniable life truth which can be discovered through a
life devoted to looking within yourself. This is the life of any Buddhist, many nonBuddhists, and should be the life of anyone who cares to find the path to true peace and
happiness.
These stories only seek to point the way. Dont take any of them for the truth without
investigating them for yourself. The point isnt to believe blindly, its to develop confidence
in your life and in the way. By the way, I mean the way to live our best life and ultimately
find peace within ourselves and with others. Heres some of my favorite Zen stories:
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6 Awesome Zen Stories That Will Teach You Important Life

Lessons
1. Everything changes
Suzuki Roshi, Ive been listening to your lectures for years, a student
said during the question and answer time following a lecture, but I just
dont understand. Could you just please put it in a nutshell? Can you
reduce Buddhism to one phrase?
Everyone laughed. Suzuki laughed.
Everything changes, he said. Then he asked for another question.
Explanation: One of the foremost teachings in Buddhism is that everything in life is
impermanent. Suzuki Roshi (Shunryu Suzuki of Zen Mind, Beginners Mind) is referring to
this impermanence by saying everything changes. This is a very deep teaching, but Ill
attempt to sum it up in a way that can be understood and immediately helpful in a few
words.
Because it encompasses everything, you can contemplate for hours on end and not realize
the full magnitude of the principle of impermanence. You are impermanent, your loved
ones are impermanent, your home is impermanent, even our planet is impermanent.
Why is this important? Because it teaches us that grasping onto things is one of the major
reasons as to why we suffer. We need to live being aware of the ever-changing nature of
reality and appreciate the present moment. Its not about letting go, its really about not
grasping in the first place. If we can learn to live in this way, we can find peace in everyday
life.

2. Empty your cup

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a
university professor who came to inquire about Zen.
Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitors cup full, and then kept on

pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could

restrain himself. It is overfull. No more will go in!
Like this cup, Nan-in said, you are full of your own opinions and
speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?
Explanation: The story tells it how it is, so Ill leave it at that.

3. Non-judgment
Once upon the time there was an old farmer who had worked his crops
for many years. One day his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his
neighbors came to visit. Such bad luck, they said sympathetically.
Maybe, the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it three other wild
horses. How wonderful, the neighbors exclaimed.
Maybe, replied the old man.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was
thrown, and broke his leg. The neighbors again came to offer their
sympathy on his misfortune.
Maybe, answered the farmer.
The day after, military officials came to the village to draft young men
into the army. Seeing that the sons leg was broken, they passed him by.
The neighbors congratulated the farmer on how well things had turned
out.
Maybe, said the farmer.
Explanation: The farmer is practicing non-judgment. He understands the true nature of
life, that you cant judge any event as an end in a way. Our life doesnt play out like a work
of fiction. There arent definite breaks that separate one moment versus another, and there
isnt a perfectly formulated end which everything builds to.
Theres always tomorrow. And whether the day was good or bad, theres a million effects
which can arise from one event. Good and bad are interconnected. They are, in fact, two
sides of the same coin. If things seem perfect, they arent. If it seems like its Armageddon
in your corner of the world, its not. Things can change in an instant, at all times. And they

will at some point or another.

This doesnt mean that we cant be happy. On the contrary, it means that we need to realize
this truth and live in a way that were constantly aware of it in order to find peace and
happiness. Dont let this change the way you live too much just yet though. For now just
think on it, observe your life through the lens of this infinitely co-arising universe. This act
in itself can bring you a great sense of peace.

4. Right and Wrong

When Bankei held his seclusion-weeks of meditation, pupils from many
parts of Japan came to attend. During one of these gatherings a pupil
was caught stealing. The matter was reported to Bankei with the request
that the culprit be expelled. Bankei ignored the case.
Later the pupil was caught in a similar act, and again Bankei
disregarded the matter. This angered the other pupils, who drew up a
petition asking for the dismissal of the thief, stating that otherwise they
would leave in a body.
When Bankei had read the petition he called everyone before him. You
are wise brothers, he told them. You know what is right and what is
not right. You may go somewhere else to study if you wish, but this poor
brother does not even know right from wrong. Who will teach him if I do
not? I am going to keep him here even if all the rest of you leave.
A torrent of tears cleansed the face of the brother who had stolen. All
desire to steal had vanished.
Explanation: This story is pretty straightforward, but it certainly doesnt make you think
any less than the rest. How quickly would most people turn their back on someone who
commits a crime like stealing, just as the pupils did. But look deeper and you might just see
another human being. Someone that simply needs to be shown the path.
Dont write people off so easily. Expressing compassion isnt always easy, but were all
together in this life, so we cant just help those that keep good behavior. Those people who
commit such crimes are often some of the people that need help with the most basic
spiritual and human principles, such as right and wrong.
If you have a loved one whos committed a crime before youll know exactly what I mean.
You know they can be better and they shouldnt be thrown out just because they did
something wrong at some point. Sure, we need to keep order, so they should be disciplined
for their behavior, but we also need to take time to teach them right and wrong. We should
strive to lift them up just as we strive to lift ourselves and those we love up despite their

own flaws.

5.Be the boss

A horse suddenly came galloping quickly down the road. It seemed as
though the man had somewhere important to go.
Another man, who was standing alongside the road, shouted, Where
are you going? and the man on the horse replied,
I dont know! Ask the horse!
Explanation: This is a short but well-known Zen story with a powerful meaning behind it.
The horse symbolizes our habit energy. The story explains the way we usually live, at the
mercy of our old habit energies which have been established not by our intentional actions,
but by our surroundings and mindless activity.
The horse is pulling us along, making us run here and there and hurry everywhere and we
dont even know why. If you stopped to ask yourself from time to time why exactly youre
running around so much, sometimes you might have an answer, but its never a very good
one. Youre just used to it, its how were taught to live.
But as much as we run, it gets us nowhere. We need to learn how to take back the reigns
and let the horse know whos boss.
Youre the boss, youve always been the boss, so start acting like it.

6. Watch yourself
There was once a pair of acrobats. The teacher was a poor widower and
the student was a young girl by the name of Meda. These acrobats
performed each day on the streets in order to earn enough to eat.
Their act consisted of the teacher balancing a tall bamboo pole on his
head while the little girl climbed slowly to the top. Once to the top, she
remained there while the teacher walked along the ground.
Both performers had to maintain complete focus and balance in order to
prevent any injury from occurring and to complete the performance.
One day, the teacher said to the pupil:
Listen Meda, I will watch you and you watch me, so that we can help
each other maintain concentration and balance and prevent an accident.
Then well surely earn enough to eat.

But the little girl was wise, she answered, Dear master, I think it would
be better for each of us to watch ourself. To look after oneself means to
look after both of us. That way I am sure we will avoid any accidents
and earn enough to eat.
Explanation: This one isnt a specifically Zen story, but its said to have been told by the
Buddha himself. This story is meant to illustrate that taking care of yourself is the most
important thing you can do to take care of others.
By learning how to nourish your mind and body youll naturally begin to treat those around
you with more compassion, love, and kindness and create a more positive impact on the
world around you as a whole. There is no division, taking care of yourself (in a spiritual
sense, not in a material buy myself things kind of sense) equals taking care of others.
Specifically, by taking care of yourself, the Buddha was referring to mindfulness. The
Buddha also said that by taking care of others, by showing them compassion and lovingkindness, we take care of ourselves.
______________________________________

Living Zen SpiritComing

Soon
If youre interested in learning how to bring
more authentic Zen spirit into your life,
then youll love my upcoming book Living
Zen.
If youd like to be notified when more
information is available, as well as get some
cool exclusive book bonuses from here until
release, fill in your name and email below!

Living Zen- Coming Soon

2016
Be notified when new

First Name

Email Address

information for my upcoming

book Living Zen becomes
available. Plus, get exclusive
previews before anyone else.
Thank you for your support!

Send Me Updates
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time.
Powered by ConvertKit

______________________________________

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Comments
saman gunaherath says
June 12, 2015 at 9:54 pm
these stories are help to improve our knowledge. saman gunaherath
Reply

Matt Valentine says

June 13, 2015 at 4:11 am

Glad you like them Saman!

Reply

rhace says
July 24, 2015 at 6:38 pm
love these Zen stories since College..
Reply

Justbe says
July 9, 2015 at 9:57 am
Be the boss I think represents never judge a book by its cover in a very humorous way
Reply

Matt Valentine says

July 10, 2015 at 8:35 am
Never thought about that! Lol.
Thanks for that Justbe.
Reply

Norm Bell says

August 19, 2015 at 10:34 pm
Thankyou
Reply

Matt Valentine says

August 20, 2015 at 3:30 am
Thanks for reading Norm.
Reply

sanjay dhengle says

August 24, 2015 at 6:45 am
i loved and realised the true massage behind these pointers(stories).thank you Matt Valentine.
Reply

Matt Valentine says

August 24, 2015 at 7:51 am
Thanks for reading Sanjay.
Reply

Maya Danubrata says

August 24, 2015 at 3:21 pm
Love these stories. Thank you Matt for sharing
Reply

Matt Valentine says

August 24, 2015 at 4:11 pm
Glad you liked them, thanks for reading Maya.
Reply

dinesh says
September 1, 2015 at 1:05 am
Dear Matt,
I am from India. English language not so good. but hope u understand the meaning and feeling of mine.
feel very good to read your mails on meditation and awareness. I have very much connected with the
thoughts but in action there is very less results achieved. And feel very sad as no good results even i can

understand the thing clearly. This is because that there is some fears deep down and always make me
disturb and i am in a situation to apply no remedy on it only to quit or ran away from the situation
whether these are thoughts or some practical situations. I can understand the thing that these are all
because of using my brain and calculation unnecessarily and heart is in great pain all the time. Always
trembling inside the body in the small small situation and found myself helpless from my childhood
actually. But no i am 40, understand the thing but feel very depressed and helpless because whenever i try
to do something a pain spread in body especially in my heart. It seems that heart is dead inside and mind
is only working. Please write how heart will alive again?
Please comment on it what is all this and how i can come out of it.
love you very much
dinesh
india
Reply

Jo says
September 2, 2015 at 11:28 am
Dont be the boss of the horse. The horses path represents change which you cannot control. By
accepting the unknown path of the horse, you can let go from trying to control the world around you
and then you are free.
Reply

Matt Valentine says

September 2, 2015 at 11:41 am
Hey Jo,
To be the boss isnt to control the world. Fundamentally, its to decide to be present instead of
being pulled to and from mindless action.
Our primary habit energy is the habit of mindlessness, so to take the reigns of the horse is to live
intentionally. Not follow your dreams! live intentionally, but to be awake to this moment
intentionally as opposed to sort of awake (unintentionally) -> asleep -> sort of awake -> asleep,
and so on as we typically live.
I completely agree that to consistently attempt to control the world in some way is generally a
harmful effort which keeps us from true freedom, one which Ive written about a number of times
before.
I deeply appreciate your take on the point and hope my comment doesnt come off as rude. Thank
you for posting.
Reply

Matt Valentine says

September 2, 2015 at 11:50 am
Hey Dinesh,
Its difficult to know without having more information about your exact situation, but based on the
description about how you feel Id suggest trying loving-kindness meditation. If youre saying
intellectually you understand the principles and that the problem youre experiencing isnt so much
the motivation or will to practice, but that you just cant get past the heaviness in your heart, then
cultivating loving-kindness is where Id start.
Do this:
1. Read this guide to learn how to practice LKM: How to Practice Loving-Kindness Meditation
2. Also read this on an everyday take on LKM when the feeling really creeps up out-and-about in
everyday activities: How to Overcome Daily Challenges with Loving-Kindness Meditation
3. Lastly, practice at least formal LKM once a day for 30 days and then email me in one month (here)
and tell me how youre feeling then. From there I can help guide you further.
I hope that helps. Let me know how it goes.
Reply

Ram Rathod says

September 24, 2015 at 1:44 am
CONSCIOUS CONTROL
Reply

Subbu says
October 7, 2015 at 11:38 am
Simple way of learning great things. A good collection of Zen stories. Thank You so much.
Reply

Matt Valentine says

October 8, 2015 at 9:41 am
Thanks Subbu! Glad you liked it.

Reply

mac says
October 8, 2015 at 12:40 pm
Every one of these I have lived and taken these same pathways in the mind, due to prior zen teachings and
meditations they are indeed powerful, the first one (dettachment) is for me personally the most
important/ significant ability yielding the greatest freedom but the cup kept open for input is another
gem .. these readings were a joy, you are a gifted blogger, thank you
Reply

Matt Valentine says

October 8, 2015 at 1:37 pm
Thank you Mac, I deeply appreciate the kind words. Im glad you enjoyed reading.
Reply

Naman Chhabra says

October 19, 2015 at 7:20 am
Grea Collection ! Always love the full glass of ater story! everyone always have their mind set and thats
why we dont learn alot! The impermanent and rest of the life truths are important and i hope everyone
gets to know about these eye opener stories!
Reply

Matt Valentine says

October 19, 2015 at 7:27 am
I agree Naman, thanks for reading!
Reply

Chintan Gundarania says

October 28, 2015 at 4:55 am

i am curious, i wanted to enlighten this part of life.

Reply

Matt Valentine says

October 29, 2015 at 11:38 pm
I hope this article helped you do just that.
Reply

Terzi Hasan says

November 4, 2015 at 11:13 am
Hi great stories, thanks for sharing! I would like to read stories or teachings as directly told by the Buddha,
what would you recommend? Tnx
Reply

Matt Valentine says

November 6, 2015 at 8:36 am
Hey Terzi,
Id suggest checking out http://www.accesstoinsight.org/, thats a great resource filled with writing
based primarily on the Buddhas original teaching. Thats more of a resource youll find yourself
coming back to though when you have questions (although you can go searching for the heck of it too,
great site). Id suggest starting with the books What the Buddha Taught and The Heart of the
Buddhas Teaching, those are both great books written by qualified authorities on the subject of the
Buddhas original teaching.
Reply

Eric says
November 17, 2015 at 10:32 pm
Empty your cup is the story I like the most. I think it help me much in my relationships. Sometime I am
full of my ideas and think my ideas are right, I refuse to listening to others. Its a mistake! I see myself in
the story. Many thanks to you, Matt Valentine!
Reply

Matt Valentine says

November 18, 2015 at 2:51 am
Its so easy for us to do that, Ive been guilty of that in the past as well. Glad you liked it Eric!
Reply

Derek Jones says

November 29, 2015 at 5:22 am
Hi,
With reference to the message from Dinesh I understand that this is a complicated subject and I obviously
dont understand all the aspects of the issue. But the more general point I think it is that it is a mistake to
think that meditation and mindfulness alone is the answer to solving all our fears and emotional
challenges in life. I took refuge in Buddhism in 1978, but have also worked within the mental health
services for 30 years. So (I hope) I understand a little about how important it is for people to also
understand the complex mechanisms underpinning the way we can become anxious or depressed.
Meditation doesnt always make us feel good, and we need to avoid feeling a failure if it doesnt do that.
But what meditation can help us do (hopefully) is to recognize that fact that we often feel bad about
feeling bad, and that then leads us to feel even worse about the situation we are in. Meditation can allow
us an opportunity to sit and face very difficult feelings and (instead of trying to run away from them as we
usually do). So we sit and fully experience the texture of those emotions. That way we can stop beating
ourselves up emotionally for being the way we are at any moment in time. Over the years my role has
been to teach people about the basis for psychological and the physiological processes that are the engine
of some of our more distressing emotions. That educational stance can offer people more insight into the
way we may develop self defeating mindsets. Alongside that we can develop the meditation skills that give
us opportunities to simply sit and learn to recognize (and accept) aspects of ourselves that we usually
dont like to admit to either self or others.
Derek Jones
Reply

Matt Valentine says

December 6, 2015 at 4:21 am
Hey Derek,
Thank you for your insights. I completely agree. Ultimately, its a deeper understanding of ourselves
that is the most important point. Mindfulness is the master tool for this, but it isnt the whole picture.
Depending on what were going through and what weve experienced we need more. Or at least, theres
other things that can greatly help.
Reply

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