Word spread across the country about the wise Holy Man who lived in a house atop the mountain. A young man from the village decided to undertake the difficult journey to visit him.

When he arrived at the house, an old servant opened the door and greeted him.

“I have traveled long, and now I would like to see the wise Holy Man,” said the young man.

The servant smiled and led him inside. As they walked through the house, the man from the village looked around eagerly in each room, anticipating his encounter with this legendary Holy Man.

Before long, they had walked through the entire house, and the servant and the young man stood outside the door again.

“But, I wanted to see the Holy Man,” said the young man to the servant.

“You already have,” said the old man.

“Everyone you may meet in life, even if they appear commonplace… see each of them as a wise Holy Man. If you do this, then whatever problem you brought here today will be solved.”



Thoughts:

This Zen story illustrates that the greatest challenges in life require us to overcome obstacles within, not without. In the tale, the young man was able to conquer a long mountain path, but did not attempt to move beyond his own ego.

We need physical and mental effort to overcome everyday obstacles. But we also need something more, a kind of “spiritual” awareness, to understand the true significance of our existence, our path and our journey.
- See more at: http://www.buddhagroove.com/readings/listings/zen-storythe-holy-man/#sthash.LlX17vsX.dpuf

This beautiful rainbow corn has a beautiful story...

href="http://www.businessinsider.com.au/the-story-behind-glass-gem-corn-2013-10#the-story-of-glass-gem-corn-begins-with-an-oklahoma-farmer-named-carl-barnes-barnes-now-in-his-80s-is-half-cherokee-he-began-growing-older-corn-varieties-in-his-adult-years-no-one-is-exactly-sure-when-this-began-as-a-way-to-reconnect-with-his-heritage-1"

Emotional Baby

Baby sobs when Mom sings her a sad song... so beautiful!!

X-Men : Days of Future Past

Looking forward to seeing this movie...

ZEN

Zen can be a philosophy, a spiritual tradition, or simply a “way.” Here are ten diverse thoughts (from teachers, writers and Zen masters) on what it means to walk the Zen path.

1. Zen is not about eliminating thoughts but illuminating them. (Gerald May)

2. Zen is not some kind of excitement but concentration on our usual everyday routine. (Shunryu Suzuki)

3. The ultimate standpoint of Zen is that… the peace we are seeking so eagerly has been there all the time. (D.T. Suzuki)

4. The beauty of Zen is found in simplicity and tranquility, in a sense of the all-embracing harmony of things. (Thich Thien-An)

5. The whole point of Zen is to suspend the rules we have superimposed on things and to see the world as it is. (Alan Watts)

6. Before enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water. After enlightenment, I chopped wood and carried water. (Zen Buddhism)

7. Zen: If you try to aim for it, you are turning away from it. (Anonymous)

8. Zen is not thinking about God while peeling potatoes. Zen is just about peeling the potatoes. (Modern Saying)

9. The only Zen you can find on the tops of mountains is the Zen you bring up there. (Robert M. Pirsig)

10. There is no need to have a deep understanding of Zen. (Shunryu Suzuki)

Overall, Zen means creating a sense of awareness and intention in everything you do. To do this, you do not have to live on a mountaintop or temple – simply breathe and go slowly in order to find your unique path in everyday surroundings.
- See more at: http://www.mindfueldaily.com/livewell/10-thoughts-on-zen#sthash.XboBUJRD.dpuf