Zen StoriesMaster Tales

Bankei's Not Born

Master Bankei reveals that our flaws are not innate, but temporary clouds over our pure nature.

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Illustration for Bankei's Not Born - a master tales Zen Stories story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover the wisdom of Bankei's Not Born, a Zen tale where a master teaches that anger is not innate, but a temporary distraction from our true Unborn mind.

A seeker once approached Master Bankei, complaining of an uncontrollable temper that flared up without warning. 'Show me this temper,' Bankei requested calmly. The man replied, 'I cannot show it to you right now; it arises unexpectedly when I am provoked.' Bankei smiled and said, 'Then it is clearly not your true nature. If it were part of you from the beginning, you could show it at any time. You were born with nothing but the Unborn Buddha-mind. This temper is something you "birth" through your own struggle and attachment. Do not trade the precious Unborn for the fleeting illusions of the world.' The man suddenly realized that his flaws were not permanent fixtures of his soul, but temporary clouds passing through an infinite sky.

The Moral

Our true nature is pure and undisturbed; negative emotions are temporary constructs that we mistakenly identify as ourselves.

“Do not trade the precious Unborn for the fleeting illusions of the world.”

Fun Fact

Bankei Yotaku refused to use complex Buddhist terminology, preferring to speak in common language so that even uneducated people could understand the 'Unborn.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Bankei's Not Born?

It teaches that our essential nature is the 'Unborn' Buddha-mind, which is inherently pure and peaceful. Negative traits like anger are not permanent parts of us but are temporary reactions we choose to create.

Who was Master Bankei?

Bankei Yotaku was a prominent 17th-century Japanese Zen master known for his simple and direct teachings. He avoided complex rituals, focusing instead on the concept of the Unborn mind accessible to everyone.

What does 'The Unborn' mean in Zen Buddhism?

The Unborn refers to the original, undifferentiated state of consciousness that exists before thoughts or emotions arise. It is the steady, clear background of our existence that remains unaffected by external circumstances.

How did Bankei treat his students?

Bankei was known for his compassion and inclusivity, often teaching common people rather than just monks. He emphasized that enlightenment was not a distant goal but a return to one's natural, unborn state.

Why couldn't the man show his temper to Bankei?

The man couldn't show his temper because it was a reactive emotion, not a physical object or a permanent part of his identity. This realization helped him see that he wasn't 'born' with a bad temper.

Is Bankei's Not Born based on a historical figure?

Yes, Bankei Yotaku was a real historical figure whose teachings on the Unborn were well-documented. This story captures the core essence of his unique and accessible philosophical approach.