Zen Women: The Shouting Nun

October 15, 2008

The Master Lin-chi said to a nun, "Well come, or ill come?"

The nun gave a shout.

The Master picked up his stick and said, "Speak then, speak!"

The nun shouted once more.

The Master struck her.

Commentary
She should have deafened him with the first shout. A second offense isn't permitted.

Source: The Zen Teachings of Master Lin-chi, by Burton Watson
Photo by !SpecialK

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The role of women in the development of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism is poorly known. There have been imaginative attempts to construct a female lineage during the Tang Dynasty, but documentary records are quite limited. While reading through the case records over the past decade, I've noted stories involving female practitioners. This weblog compiles those stories in a single location.
As for me (Barry Briggs), I have trained for two decades in the Kwan Um School of Zen and serve that organization as a Bodhisattva Teacher. You can reach me at zenwomen [at] mac.com.
May these posts benefit all practitioners.

I’m truly grateful to everyone who leaves a comment on this blog. Even though many comments are generous and thoughtful, I rarely respond. Thank you for your understanding.

I extend grateful appreciation to my daughter, Susie, who designed this site; to Zen Master Seung Sahn, for crossing the ocean; and to all beings for their never-ending encouragement and teaching.
May we together attain enlightenment and save all beings from suffering.