The Zen Teachings of Master Lin-chi. Chp 34. Pg 92
The Master learned that the second Te-shan1 was telling his students, "If you can speak, it's thirty blows, and if you can't speak, it's thirty blows!"
The Master instructed Lo-p'u,2 saying, "Go to his place and ask 'If I can speak, why do I get thirty blows?' When he hits you, grab his stick, give him a jab, and see what he does then."
When Lo-p'u arrived at Te-shan's place, he followed the Master's instructions and asked the question. Te-shan hit him, whereupon he grabbed the stick and gave Te-shan a jab.
Te-shan returned to his own quarters.
Lo-p'u went back and reported to the Master what had happened.
The Master said, "For some time now I've been suspicious of this fellow! But however that may be, did you really get to see Te-shan?"
-
As was customary around this time period, "Te-shan" refers to the place where our friend Te-shan was occupying. So "the second Te-shan" is just to distinguish him from another master (Tsung-yin, a "dharma heir" of Mazu) who taught there some time in the past. Linji's talking about the Deshan we're familiar with here
-
"Lo-p'u"? I mean... really? Wade-Giles is ridic
Lately, there's been a lot of discussion about proper conduct in the forum, content brigading, and what is appropriate or not appropriate for the subreddit.
-
Linji hears about Deshan throwing blows and wants to test a suspicion of his. Who here is willing to test their suspicions?
-
Lopu travels and asks Deshan "Why?" Who here can ask such a question in the face of a coming blow?
-
Deshan hit him. Who here can strike such a blow?
-
Lopu grabs Deshan's staff and gives him a jab. Who here can take a hit and and hit someone back with their own stick?
-
Deshan returns to his own quarters. Who here can return to their quarters after taking such a jab?
-
The Master asks if you did really get to see Deshan Who here can get a glimpse at Deshan?
Submitted February 26, 2018 at 01:00PM by NegativeGPA http://ift.tt/2oxSdMh
No comments:
Post a Comment