Are you fascinated by Zen stories? If yes, then you are sure to love these 5 amazing Zen stories. If you are wondering what Zen stories are all about, then here is a brief explanation about Zen stories. These are small stories that have been used for centuries by the masters of Zen Buddhism to make their students self-aware. Read on the Zen Stories that will inspire you!

These stories are characterized by their brevity. They may be in the form of a story or riddle, and not comprehendible at first glance. But once you ponder over the stories, they yield a deeper meaning which can lead to greater self-awareness and inspiration.

Amazing Zen Stories That Will Inspire You

Here are some amazing Zen stories that are related to different aspects of life. Be it anger, knowledge, love, relationships, or any other dimension of life, there is sure to be a Zen story to set you pondering, and be the wiser for it. We present here 5 of our favourite Zen stories.

A Zen Story To Help Manage Your Anger – Zen Stories That Will Inspire You

A student who had major anger issues wanted some counseling to be able to deal with it. He approached a Zen Master and narrated his problem to him.

The Zen Master calmly listened to him and then asked, “so, you say that your uncontrollable temper is your problem?” “Yes, master, that is the issue,” said the student, his voice filled with hope.

“That seems really strange,” said the master, looking pensively at the student.

“Can you show it to me,” said the master to his student. The flabbergasted student replied that he could not show it just like that.

“Why not?” insisted the master.

“Because it occurs suddenly,” replied the puzzled student.

“In that case, anger is not part of your true nature, as you are not able to show it at will.”

“Why are you allowing something that is not yours to unduly worry you,” said the master smiling with compassion at his student.

After this brief interlude, the Master’s words rang in the student’s ears whenever his temper rose, and he soon learned to subdue the waves of anger and to retain his composure, whatever the external provocation was.

A Zen Story About Knowledge – Zen Stories That Will Inspire You

A very learned University Professor wanted to know about Zen, for which he visited a Japanese Zen Master named Nan-in. The Zen Master received his guest and as befits, a good host served tea to the Professor. He poured the tea into a cup for the Professor.

The Professor watched with curiosity as Nan-in went on pouring tea even though the cup got filled and started overflowing. He could not restrain himself as the tea continued to overflow from the cup.

“What are you doing?” “The cup is already full and it will not take any more of the tea,” he blurted out in exasperation.

Nan-in smiled at the Professor, “you too are like the cup,” he said.

“You come here with your mind overflowing with pre-conceived notions and opinions.”

“I cannot show you what Zen is unless the cup of your mind is empty.” said the Zen Master, Nan-in.

Zen Story About Meditation And Silence – Zen Stories That Will Inspire You

There were four disciples in a Buddhist monastery who were also very close friends. They undertook a vow to maintain silence and meditate for 7 days. The first day went off without either of them uttering a word. The second day seemed to go the same way till the shadows lengthened and darkness fell.

One of the disciples saw that the lamps were getting dimmed, he could not restrain himself, and broke his silence, “fix those lamps,” he shouted to a servant.

“We are not supposed to speak,” said the second disciple.

“Both of you are worthless, why did you both speak,” said the third disciple.

“I am the only one who has not spoken,” said the fourth disciple proudly.

Zen Story About Love – Zen Stories That Will Inspire You

In a remote monastery, up in the mountains, twenty young monks and a nun were practicing meditation under the tutelage of a Zen Master. The Nun was beautiful and even though her shaven head and plain cloak could not hide her beauty. Some of the young monks grew infatuated with her. One of the monks professed his love for her in a letter and requested a secret meeting.

The next day after a lecture session by the master, the Nun stood up and looking at the monk who had written to her said: “If you really love me, come and embrace me now!”

Zen Story About Fear – Zen Stories That Will Inspire You

An invading army came across a deserted village in Japan. Fear had driven out all the villagers, except for one. A Zen Master continued to stay in a small Buddhist temple. The haughty General of the invading army went to see who this man who had dared to linger in the village was.

The Zen Master did not stand up or salute the General on his approach. The General who was used to subservience and fear from all was enraged. He pulled out his sword and shouted: “You fool,” “don’t you realize that you are standing in front of a man who can run you through without blinking an eye.”

“Don’t you realize that you are standing in front of a man who can be run through without blinking an eye,” said the Zen Master in a calm voice.

We hope you loved our small collection of Zen stories. We suggest you read and re-read them to really grasp the essence of the powerful words which have a great depth of meaning.
Subscribe to our blog for more interesting content on various aspects of life, and connect with us on our social media channels.

Thanks for visiting our site nirvandiaries.com and taking the time to read this post.

If you wish to collaborate or work with us then reach us at [email protected]

We’d love if you’d comment by sharing your thoughts on this post and share this post on social media and with your friends.

Follow our journey on our social media channels:
Facebook   Twitter   Instagram  Pinterest