Teachings From Ancient Vietnamese Zen Masters – 148
60 Six Words
Sitting still on Dai Hung Mountain so many years,
my body is ending; but truly the way is not.
Holding the six words constantly, being preordained,
I now pass them on to future generations, revealing the way of Zen.
PHO TINH (circa 19th century)
(COMMENT: Nowadays, a majority of Vietnamese Buddhists practice the
Pure Land teachings, keep “holding the six words” -- reciting the name
of Amitabha Buddha and wishing to be reborn in the Pure Land. Many
of them practice together Zen and the Pure Land. Is Zen different from
the Pure Land school? The debate is still going on. Some, including Zen
Master Pho Tinh, say the two schools are not different.)
