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Zoo-logical Zen

In Robert Aitken Roshi's forthcoming book, Zen Master Raven offers shrewd advice to his animal sangha.

Robert Aitken Roshi

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The following are untamed outtakes from Zen Master Raven: Sayings and Doings of a Wise Bird.

Essential Nature

One early morning, Woodpecker flew in for a special meeting with Raven and asked, ''I've heard about essential nature, but I'm not sure what it is. Is it something that can be destroyed?"

Raven said, "That's really a presumptuous question."

Woodpecker ruffled her feathers a little and asked, "You mean I shouldn't question the matter?"

Raven said, "You presume there is one."

Mosquito

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