The second in a weekly series of ancient koans retold.

In T'ang dynasty China, the master Joshu lived to 121 years old. Where other teachers shouted or struck their students, he preferred conversation. One morning he addressed his monks with the Third Patriarch's famous verse about avoiding picking and choosing. Then he added something unexpected. "This old monk does not abide within clarity." A student saw his opening and pressed him. What followed became one of the most studied exchanges in Zen.

Part of The Fractal Mind Podcast, by Source Potential.

New episodes every Sunday!

Awakening Binaural Meditation iOS app: https://sourcepotential.org/awakening/
Official Website: https://sourcepotential.org
Original Music by: Source Potential

The first in a weekly series of ancient koans retold in Zen Bedtime Stories.

In sixth-century China, Emperor Wu had built hundreds of temples and ordained thousands of monks. When the Indian master Bodhidharma arrived at his court, the Emperor asked what merit he had accumulated. Bodhidharma's answer was two words: "No merit." This is the story of their encounter.

Part of The Fractal Mind by Source Potential.
New episodes every Sunday.

Awakening Binaural Meditation iOS app: https://sourcepotential.org/awakening/
Official Website: https://sourcepotential.org
Original Music by: Source Potential