...And Zen I Awoke.
- or -
How I Pimp Slapped Julius Evola
Right Out of That Wheelchair

Years ago, after reading a near-half dozen books on Zen - and finding each to be a different interpretation from the last - I realized I walked away with little… but it's more than most religions have given me.
First:

A Zen master was meditating by a lake, when a traveler passed him. The traveler, hearing so much about wise men and their secrets to life, felt he should stop and ask him a great question. The traveler spoke, "Oh holy wise man, what happens after death?"
The Zen master replied, "You got me, friend."
The traveler, somewhat angered asks, "How so, if you are a Zen master?"
The Zen master replies, "Because I am not a dead Zen master."

That story also sums up what I have been saying for years… "I'm as wise as Socrates." Why? Because Socrates had said that with all the knowledge he had obtained, he kept realizing that he actually knew very little. I fully admit I know nothing - therefore, I truly am as wise as Socrates. It becomes worse yet when I explain it, over and over, to the uninitiated (ie - dimwitted), and they still get upset. Never realizing I am also saying that they too are as wise as Socrates.
Also, remember that convictions cause convicts… whatever you believe imprisons you.
Second:

A great general walks up to a meditating Zen master and asks, "Oh, great Master, what are the gates of Heaven and Hell like?"
The Zen master replies, "Why should I tell a war-loving oaf like you?"
The general explodes, releasing his sword from its sheath.
"I'll kill you!" shouts the general.
The master points right at the general and says, "There, behold! There are the gates of Hell!"
Being a good warrior and serving his code he realizes his offense, standing down on the attack, only to kneel before the Zen master and say, "I do so apologize for my anger and behavior."
The Zen master replies, "And there are the gates of Heaven."

This one is a hard one to live by (you know, being human and all), but grace and humility should come with age. Notice I said, "should".
So, how do we overcome the curse of humanity, striving for the Ubermensch…
but that's another article, another time.

2005