According to author Jon J. Muth, "Zen shorts" is a term used to describe short stories or meditations from Buddhist literature. These insightful tales challenge readers to examine current belief systems, fears, and desires.
In his children's book, also called Zen Shorts, Muth uses a panda bear character named Stillwater to retell examples of these parables to three children. His manner is simple, not preachy, and the book won a Caldecott Honor Award.
Taken as a direct excerpt from Zen Shorts, the following story, entitled "The Farmer's Luck," actually has roots several thousand years old in the tradition of Taoism:
There was once an old farmer who had worked his crops for many years. One day, his horse ran away. Upon hearing the news, his neighbors came to visit. "Such bad luck," they said sympathetically. "Maybe," the farmer replied.
The next morning the horse returned, bringing with it two other wild horses. "Such good luck!" the neighbors exclaimed. "Maybe," replied the farmer.
The following day, his son tried to ride one of the untamed horses, was thrown off, and broke his leg. Again, the neighbors came to offer their sympathy on his misfortune. "Such bad luck," they said. "Maybe," answered the farmer.
The day after that, military officials came to the village to draft young men into the army to fight in a war. Seeing that the son's leg was broken, they passed him by. "Such good luck!" cried the neighbors. "Maybe," said the farmer.
Zen, which means "meditation," is a school of Buddhism that focuses on simple paths to enlightenment.
The philosophy emphasizes that all humans are born with a Buddha-nature, and through practices such as meditation, dharma, and self-discovery, one can awaken the soul and achieve heightened spiritual awareness.
For more examples of Zen stories, please visit "The 10 Very Best Zen Stories."
Sources: 1.) Muth, J. (2005). Zen Shorts. Scholastic Press: New York. 2.) Wikipedia. Zen. Retrieved from Wikipedia.org on 21 July 2009.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons/Raul654
Affirmations: I allow myself to view situations from different perspectives. I keep an open mind in order to receive lessons from the universe. I easily flow with life and release attachments to outcomes. I gain insight through simplicity and meditative states. I am open to receive.
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