Zen : Hanging by Teeth

Zen is a Branch of Mahayana Buddhism and originated in China in 6th Century as Chan.Than it was spread into Vietnam , Korea and Japan . Zen emphasizes the attainment of Nirvana (Enlightenment) and the personal expression of direct insight in the Buddhism teachings. and favors direct understanding through Zazen and interaction with an accomplished teacher.

Traditionally the origin of Chán (Zen) in China is credited to the Indian monk Bodhidharma.
The Anthology of the Patriarchal Hall tells us that in 527 Bodhidharma, the first Patriarch of Chán, visited the Emperor Xiāo Yǎn.

Emperor Wu: "How much karmic merit have I earned for ordaining Buddhist monks, building monasteries, having sutras copied, and commissioning Buddha images?"
Bodhidharma: "None. Good deeds done with worldly intent bring good karma, but no merit."
Emperor Wu: "So what is the highest meaning of noble truth?"
Bodhidharma: "There is no noble truth, there is only void."
Emperor Wu: "Then, who is standing before me?"
Bodhidharma: "I know not, Your Majesty.

Their are many popular stories of latter Zen Teachers in China and Japan.

Following Story in taken from Mumon 5 :-

Hanging by Teeth

Someone asked Zen Master Kyogen " What is Zen !"

Kyozen replied " Zen is like a man who falls off a cliff. A tree is growing just below the edge of the cliff.
The Man saves himself be hanging on to a branch by his teeth.His feet are dangling in the air, and his hands have been wounded ,so he cannot use them to hold on the tree.

Then someone comes , looks over the cliff and asks: " Why did Buddha's teaching come from India to China?"
If the man does not answer , the newcomer will not lift him up .If he does answer , he will fall to the bottom of the Cliff, and die.What should he do... ?"

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