A Zen Koan

“Master, I have been contemplating something” said the disciple. “What have you been contemplating?” replied the master. “I have been contemplating who I am” the disciple said softly. “A most worthwhile question disciple Cho, and what is your answer?” “I do not know” said disciple Cho, “and it troubles me.” The master replied “Perhaps I can be of help. There is a scroll in our temple that an ancient master left us. It contains a poem. I shall recite it to you.”




I am the wind on the sea


I am the ocean wave


I am the sound of rustling leaves


I am the dog romping through the grass


I am the hawk on the cliff


I am the dewdrop in sunlight


I am the fairest of flowers


I am the powerful bear.


I am the softest whisper


I am the manta ray in the deepest waters


I am the frozen lake in winter


I am the fire providing warmth


I am the summer rain


Who levels the mountain?


Who speaks the age of the moon?


Who has been where the sun sleeps?


Who, if not I?


For I am one with the universe


“That is beautiful master” said the disciple. “I wish I could be all of that.” The master smiled, “You already are. You need only realize it.”