Genjo Koan

"Though there are many features in the dusty world and the world beyond conditions, you see and understand only what your eye of practice can reach. In order to learn the nature of the myriad things, you must know that although they may look round or square, the other features of oceans and mountains are infinite in variety; whole worlds are there. It is so not only around you, but also directly beneath your feet, or in a drop of water."

"The dusty world" refers to this world we live in.

"The world beyond conditions" refers to the Pure Land.

"Eye of practice" means the mind realized through mindful practice.

"The nature of myriad things" refers to Buddha Nature.

"Whole worlds" refer to the vastness of oceans and mountains.
"Ocean and mountains" refer to nirvana and samsara and its relationship to mindful practice of meditation.

This koan is encouraging the Zen practitioner to look beyond the limitations of mindful practice as determined by what one already knows.

It inspires one to use imagination to see there is more to practice than just sitting.


Reference:
Genjo Koan: http://www.thezensite.com/ZenTeachings/Dogen_Teachings/GenjoKoan8.htm

Nembutsu Kōan (poem)

Whilst chanting the Nembutsu,
ask yourself carefully,
"Who is chanting?"

Since chanting the Nembutsu
is Amida calling through you,
then who is chanting but
Amida Buddha?

Namu Amida Butsu
Namu Amida Butsu

Pure Mind, Beautiful Japanese Heart

Shinto priest: "What is a beautiful Japanese heart?"
Jodou Shinshuu practitioner: "A pure mind whose cry is that of Amida calling."