Better not treat people like fools

Baofu asked a monk, “What Buddha is it in the shrine?” ​

The monk said, “Let the master try to determine.” ​

Baofu said, “Shakyamuni Buddha.” ​

The monk said, “Better not treat people like fools.” ​

Baofu said, “It’s you who are treating me like a fool.” ​

Baofu also asked a monk, “What is your name? ​

The monk said, “Xiance,” [which means Benefiting All Like Moisture.] ​

Baofu said, “Suppose you meet a desiccant; then what?” ​

The monk said, “Who’s the desiccant?” ​

Baofu said, “I am.” ​

The monk said, “Better not treat people like fools, Master.” ​

Baofu said, “It’s you who are treating me like a fool.” ​

Baofu also asked the rice cook, “How wide is the cauldron?” ​

The cook said, “Let the master try to measure it himself.” ​

Baofu made a gesture of measuring with his hands. ​

The cook said, “Better not treat people like fools.” ​

Baofu said, “It’s you who are treating me like a fool.” ​

Also, when Baofu saw a monk he said, “What work have you done to get so big?” ​

The monk said, “How much shorter are you, Master?” ​

Baofu hunched, making as if he were shorter. ​

The monk said, “Better not treat people like fools, Master.” ​

Baofu said, “It’s you who are treating me like a fool.”

From The Dahui Shobogenzo

Note: That Baofu guy from yesterday. Are the monks trying to call him out? Are they criticizing his answers for obscurity or simplicity? Maybe Baofu has a habit of calling people out and they're just ribbing him.

Submitted December 27, 2017 at 11:55PM by koancomentator http://ift.tt/2Cg5QpX