I remember a day many years back. It was probably 2005. The sun shone bright as I was driving somewhere. The volume on my car radio was up a few extra notches. Totally at ease, I belted out the song on the radio. I approached a traffic light and continued singing as an onlooker on one side in another car smiled while those on the opposite side poked fun at my expense. But at all the traffic stops along the way, most, I observed, didn’t even notice my performance as their cell phones appeared to be permanently affixed to their ears. They weren’t there.
By the time I arrived at my destination, I determined that this was now the norm. People were yakking on their phones pretty much all the time. I assumed they all wanted to be somewhere other than where they were at that moment.
Thinking like a Zen Master
I reflected more on this situation. Why do we attach ourselves to things? They are terribly unimportant. Just think about it; if we would only listen to ourselves, we might begin to realize what is truly important. I concluded that folks, me included, who rely on so many external devices to get through the day need something more.
Photo by Objektifin_gordugu
If we paused for a moment now and then and listened quietly to the story within us, we might surprise ourselves.
Then again, what if we listened to others too? I mean really listen to what they say and what they are all about.
Answers We Seek
I’m sorry to say that tuning our people because we are busy on our devices is not so unusual these days, but if we stopped what we were doing and paid attention to others, we might find the answers to our questions, even those questions that are firmly in us, but we don’t dare ask.
If we let go of things and replace them with people, and we listen, wouldn’t we be on the path to a more fulfilling life? I think so.
This is why stories are so important. They help us realize that humanity strives for the same things. We see that we are all connected and spiritual beings, regardless of our faith tradition.
The Zen Master is in our Stories
It’s all in stories. In stories, we discover that we understand ourselves a little more, and by doing so, we understand others. We find that we are a compassionate people—we must be.
Ancient but Relevant
In 2008 I decided to write stories about everyday people doing everyday things that led them to more.
Parables, Zen stories, and other tales explore age-old ideas but remain relevant as we detach ourselves from what is undoubtedly unimportant, distracting, and troublesome.
What may seem obvious to some may be quite tricky to grasp. My stories are relevant and timely, as many of us long to live inspired lives. You know I’m right about this.
My writing, which became Zen Master Next Door, serves as a tool worth sharing.
Why a tool?
Between the truth and us lies a dense thicket of thorns and brush. But with the right tools, it is much easier to navigate. One way to make it through the brush unscathed is to recognize the “Zen Master” who may be closer to us than we think.
Although first publihsed seventeen years ago, these stories could’ve been written today. What we find in ourselves and those around us has endured and will continue to live as long as humans dwell on this planet.
We can look within ourselves and see our reflection in these parables. Zen Master Next Door: Parables for Enlightened Everyday Living aims to show us that we can discover similar stories of inspiration within ourselves. In each parable, I hope the reader reflects on how each character and circumstance relates to their own life.
We all possess great stories to share. I am sharing mine.
Based on truth, these parables are the epitome of fiction, as the guts of storytelling are the essence of truth.
They –
are gentle but strong.
embrace but let go.
are simple but complex.
They are, of course, parables.
You may also like the post: A Little Known Zen Story on Friendship
About E.G. Kardos
I am a fiction writer and the author of five books. My writing draws inspiration from the beauty surrounding us all—both in nature and in each other. Spirituality, friendship, love, and our connection to the universe inspire me to write. Here’s more about me and my books.
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