Zen koan of the day - The Silent Temple

The Silent Temple

Shijin was a one-eyed teacher of Zen, sparkling with enlightenment. He taught his disciples in Tamako temple.

All day and all night the temple stood silent. There was no sound at all.

Even the reciting of sutras was ceased under Shijin. His students had nothing to do but meditate.

One day, an old neighbor heard the ringing of bells and the recitation of sutras. Then she knew Shijin had died.

dcj commentary: Existence recognized by silence, Non-existence recognized by bells.