Zen Buddhism uses an array of different shock tactics and humor to counteract the mysticism that surrounds the rituals and dogma of most religions. Praying, studying, memorizing laws, debating minor precepts and nuances of the law and even talking about religion detract from the real direct purpose, which is to achieve awakening.
The finger pointing at the moon is not the moon.
Satoru
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Show your appreciation and be a good friend. Even making or not making a simple phone call can be a significant contribution or distraction from a relationship or friendship. Friendship must be cultivated. If a stranger does a good deed for you, pass it on.
If two people agree all the time then one of them is unnecessary.
Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
Satoru
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When someone makes a gesture toward you in making life easier for you or helping you in some way, pay him or her back. If they invite you for dinner whether or not you have the dinner with them, call them the next day to thank them. Never accept an invitation to dinner and show up empty handed. If you cannot think of an appropriate present, a scented candle or music tape is always appreciated, then you must bring a bottle of wine or flowers. If you go to a party, eat the food, drink the wine, meet new people, next time you go out and invite them for dinner pick up the check and send them a thank you card. Pay back and reciprocate.
Satoru
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The master would also test the alertness of the novices by interjecting nonsense maxims and space them between significant ideas into his teaching to test their awareness and to joke. He would teach that many maxims have a general application and practical use. Then just for fun he threw in some opposites.
Fortune favors the lucky.
Money is its own reward.
There are more things in heaven and earth than any place else.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
Satoru
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Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
Another partial quote that is often misinterpreted to allude to a present changes when the entire quote is read. The meaning is clear that it has to do with manners and a tip.
‘Tis civility wins the gratuity, and those who expect them should take graciously what is given them and not look a gift-horse in the mouth unless they know for certain that the winners are common cheats and have won unfairly. Cervantes, Don Quixote
Satoru
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A Way To Live – ZEN 