The Finger And The Moon (zen Teachings And Koans)

By (author) Alejandro Jodorowsky; By (author) Jodorowsky Alejandro
Short description/annotation
Jodo’s interpretations of the stories and koans of Zen master Ejo Takata

Description
Jodorowsky notes that most people are incapable of self-realization because of their fear of the void within, an emptiness they seek to fill with noise and chatter. He shows that Zen teachings can be compared to a finger pointing at the moon, directing you to awaken to your true nature--the Buddha within. The danger lies in mistaking the pointing finger for the moon, mistaking the words for the essential enlightenment, which can only be grasped once words have been surpassed. Unlike most tales, these stories are intended to evoke silent illumination--as true awakening and self-realization cannot occur until the mind has been stilled.
Table of contents
PROLOGUE

Experience with Ejo Takata (Mexico, 1961)

The Essential Sound of Emptiness

ZEN AND JAPANESE STORIES

Swallowing the Serpent

The Two Cat Doors

The Fool and the Theologian

Crossing the River

Eyes Wide Open

The Monks and the Rabbits

Miracle and Faith

The Zen Garden

Attention

Ignorance and Enlightenment

The Interview

Hell and Paradise

Pay Attention

An Impassive Old Man

The Test of the Jar

The Head of the Dog

The Learning Process

KOANS

Regarding Koan Masters and Disciples

The Wooden Buddha in the Temple Fire

Water

What Is Buddha?

Back to the World

Infinity

Is Buddha in the Dog?

Seizing the Sky

The Master’s Bones

The Master’s Death

Two Monks and a Nightingale

The White Stone

The Heart of the Tree

The Visit of Master Tanka

Mokugen’s Smile

Submit!

Open Hand, Closed Hand

Cutting Off Buddha’s Neck

A Million Things

The One-Pound Shirt

Break the Shape

Where Are You?

Becoming One with the Path

The Dog’s Nature

Nansen’s Arrow

Joshu and the Birds

The Monk, the Bridge, and the River

The Spirit at the Center

Falling into the Well

The Sleeping Attendant

Constant Inconstancy

The Thousand Hands of the Buddha of Compassion

The Master’s Heart

Ten Thousand

Stronger than Buddha

Interior and Exterior

The Best Piece of Meat

The Three Worlds

What Has Become of the Old Masters?

A Definition of Zen

Facing Disaster

Tchao-Tcheu Tests an Old Woman

The Mocking Gloss of Wu-Men

Arakuine’s Tears

Enlightenment

The Candle

The Master’s Gratitude

HAIKUS

GLOSSARY

INDEX


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“No one alive today, anywhere, has been able to demonstrate the sheer possibilities of artistic invention--and in so many disciplines--as powerfully as Alejandro Jodorowsky.”
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“Alejandro Jodorowsky is a demiurge and an interpreter of our stories, always exploring further the understanding of both the beauty and complexity revealed by humankind.”
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“Jodorowsky is a brilliant, wise, gentle, and cunning wizard with tremendous depth of imagination and crystalline insight into the human condition.”
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