ZEN STORIES

The nun Ryonen was deeply troubled by the impermanence of beauty. She sought out the master Hakuin, presenting a poem she had written: " I longed to draw Ryonen's face in its youthful prime, but it has already vanished without a trace." Hakuin studied her verse. He then took his brush and boldly crossed out every character. Ryonen stared at the obliterated words. In that instant, she attained clear realization.