The Dog-Eared Copy Of No Guru, No Method, No Teacher Carried By A Buddhist Monk

April 2, 2025

In a small, sun-drenched village nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, a Buddhist monk named Tenzin lived a life of peace and reflection. He spent his days tending to the temple and meditating in the serene mountain valleys. But every evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky in warm hues of orange and pink, Tenzin found solace in an old, dog-eared copy of “No Guru, No Method, No Teacher” by the musician Van Morrison. This book had traveled with him through thick and thin, its pages frayed but its insights as profound as ever.

The monk cherished this book not just for its words but for the spirit of creativity and passion that Van Morrison embodied. The stories within resonated deeply with Tenzin. They told of a relentless pursuit of artistic expression, a journey filled with trials and triumphs. Tenzin often imagined the artist, standing alone on a stage, pouring his heart into the music, captivating the audience with every note. It reminded him that creativity often arises from struggle, a truth he understood well in his own life.

One night, as a storm raged outside, Tenzin sat in the temple, clutching his dog-eared copy and reflecting on his own path. He had faced his share of difficulties in following the teachings of Buddhism. The world often tried to pull him away from his spiritual journey, but like Van Morrison’s unwavering spirit, Tenzin felt a fire within him that refused to go out. Inspired, he began to compose his own music, using simple instruments made from natural materials around him. Each melody carried the weight of his experiences, hopes, and dreams, mingling with the teachings he held dear.

As Tenzin’s music slowly found its way into the hearts of others in the village, he realized that he wasn’t just sharing his journey; he was inspiring other artists to do the same. They gathered in the temple, drawn by the enchanting sounds that floated through the air. They too had stories to tell, and together they created a community that thrived on creativity and passion. Each note was a reminder that art could be a form of meditation, a way to express the inexpressible and to connect with one another on a deeper level.

Through the years, Tenzin’s music began to spread beyond the village. With each performance, he carried his dog-eared book with him, as a talisman and a reminder of the teachings that had ignited his artistic soul. Many listeners found comfort and inspiration in his melodies, echoing Van Morrison’s own journey through life’s complexities. Tenzin knew that regardless of where his path led him, the lessons learned from his beloved book had shaped him into not just a monk, but an artist—one who embraced the struggles and joys of life, transforming them into a beautiful symphony.

In the end, Tenzin understood that the essence of art was not found in perfection but in authenticity and connection. His dog-eared copy of “No Guru, No Method, No Teacher” had not only influenced his life but also the lives of many others. It served as a powerful reminder that sometimes, the most profound teachings can come from unexpected places, urging us to look deeper, to feel more, and to share our stories with the world.