Zen stories, sayings and koans can be a great way to look at a situation in a new light, to shift your perspective or sometimes just to wake you up. I have come across a couple of good examples recently, one at Mabel and Harry on the different ways that you can look at your team, and a real brain teaser over at Achievement in Mind. (You can also add your tuppence worth as to the answer, that is if you can crack the problem in the first place… )
One of my favourite Zen stories is in response to the age-old question of identity. And if any of you have ever found yourself wondering ‘but who am I, really?’ (and don’t worry, you’re not alone…) I hope you enjoy this:
A distraught man approached the Zen master. "Please, Master, I feel lost, desperate. I don’t know who I am. Please, show me my true self!" But the teacher just looked away without responding. The man began to plead and beg, but still the master gave no reply. Finally giving up in frustration, the man turned to leave. At that moment the master called out to him by name. "Yes!" the man said, as he spun back around. "There it is!" exclaimed the master.
Any favourite Zen stories or sayings you’d like to share, or would love to see here?