Zen sayings on letting go
Much of what weighs on us is something we are still carrying long after the moment has passed: an opinion, a grievance, a plan for how things should be. These sayings and stories are about setting things down, and noticing how much lighter the hands are afterward.
Empty your cup.
Zen story of Nan-in and the professor
A full cup takes nothing in. What opinion could you set down for an hour?
Two monks met a woman at a muddy crossing. The elder carried her over and set her down. Hours later the younger burst out, "We are not supposed to touch women!" The elder said, "I put her down at the crossing. Are you still carrying her?"
Traditional story of Tanzan and Ekido
What are you still carrying from earlier today? Where could you set it down?
A thief found nothing to steal in Ryokan's hut. Ryokan gave him his clothes. Afterwards he sat naked, watching the moon. "Poor fellow," he said. "I wish I could give him this beautiful moon."
Traditional story of Ryokan
What do you have that could not be taken from you?
Falsely accused, Hakuin said only, "Is that so?" A year later the truth came out and his accusers apologized. Hakuin said only, "Is that so?"
Traditional story of Hakuin
Praise and blame both pass. Try meeting one piece of news today with "Is that so?"
The Great Way is not difficult for those who do not pick and choose.
Sengcan, Xinxin Ming
Watch the small preferences arise for the next hour: this, not that. You do not have to obey all of them.
Huike said, "My mind is not at peace. Please pacify it." Bodhidharma said, "Bring me your mind and I will pacify it." "I have searched for it and cannot find it." "There. I have pacified it."
The Gateless Gate, case 41
When you feel anxious, look for the anxious mind itself. Where exactly is it?
If you have a staff, I will give you a staff. If you have no staff, I will take it away from you.
Bajiao, The Gateless Gate, case 44
It makes no sense on purpose. Notice how quickly the mind reaches for sense, and let it rest.
A monk said to Zhaozhou, "I have come carrying nothing. What now?" Zhaozhou said, "Put it down." "If I carry nothing, what is there to put down?" "Then carry it away."
Sayings of Zhaozhou
Even "nothing" can be something we carry proudly. What could you set down?
A teacher pointed to a stone and asked a visitor, "Is that stone inside your mind or outside it?" "Everything is in the mind," said the visitor. "Your head must feel very heavy," said the teacher, "carrying a stone like that around."
Traditional story of Hogen
Which idea are you carrying around today that you could put down?
As a boy, Ikkyu broke his teacher's precious cup. When the teacher came in, Ikkyu asked, "Why do people have to die?" "It is natural," said the teacher. "Everything has its time." Ikkyu showed him the pieces. "It was time for your cup to die."
Traditional story of Ikkyu
Everything that begins also ends. Hold something you love a little more lightly.
When liking and disliking both fall away, everything becomes clear.
Sengcan, Xinxin Ming
Notice one preference arise today and let it pass without acting on it.
A merchant gave a temple a large bag of gold and waited to be thanked. The teacher said nothing. Finally the merchant pointed out how much it was. "Why should I thank you?" said the teacher. "The giver should be thankful."
Traditional story of Seisetsu
Give one thing today without waiting to be thanked.
