by Venerable Myokyo-Ni (Author)
Over twenty Buddhist teaching stories are included, with commentaries by the Venerable Myokyo-ni. The stories are collected from various Buddhist sources, but have in common the Buddhist way of facing the trials of life. Stories from the Southern schools, such as 'The Parable of the Poisoned Arrow' are included alongside Northern training stories like 'The Taming of the Harp' and 'The Great Wave.' Each story is followed by the thoughts and observations of the Venerable Myokyo-ni. 'Stories and parables are an integral part of traditional teaching texts. They are of such simplicity that one is inclined to smile at them as rather childish and as of no relevance to our lives today. Yet on closer acquaintance they reveal a profound insight into human nature, expound perennial verities and serve as pointers or guides. They console, succour, direct towards a more conducive attitude and a fuller, more meaningful partaking in life.' -The Venerable Myokyo-ni, from the Introduction to the book
Author Biography
The Venerable Myokyo-ni (1921-2007) whose name means 'mirror of the subtle nun', was born Irmgard Schloegl in Leitersdorf, Austria. She came to England in 1950, where she lectured in mineralogy at Imperial College, London. After becoming interested in Buddhism she joined the Zen class at the Buddhist Society. In 1960 she travelled to Japan and underwent Zen training at Daitokuji in Kyoto. She was ordained as a Rinzai Zen Buddhist nun in 1984. She later became head of the Zen Centre in London, and wrote a number of influential books describing Zen practice.