Sometimes when I question students, they all say they do not know or understand; they just say they eat when hungry and sleep when tired. What redemption is there in such talk? You even say you are not cognizant of whether the month is long or short, and do not care whether it is a leap year; who understands this affair of yours?
Now I ask you, how do you explain the logic of not knowing? You hear others say this, so you say it yourselves; but have you ever understood that principle of not knowing?
An ancient said, "Not knowing means nothing is not known, nowhere not reached." This is called unknowing so that you people today may reach that unknown state. This is the realm of the sages — how could it be like the blindness and nonunderstanding that people today call not knowing?
If you go on like this always declaring you don’t know and are not concerned, how will you communicate if someone questions you? There might be no one to continue on the road of Zen! It won't do to be like this. Make your choice carefully!
hookdump's commentary: I believe this illustrates an interesting subtlety in human communication. We've all seen instances of language falling short for discussing Zen (especially western languages!).
I think "I don't know" can be the manifestation of lots of things. Ignorance, a closed mind, an open mind, humility, arrogance, indifference, interest, foolishness, realization.
Here, check this out:
The emperor [Wu] spoke to him [Bodhidharma] as follows: “Since I’ve assumed the throne I’ve built temples and written [about] scriptures, plus I’ve brought about the ordination of an incalculable number of monks. What merit does this [activity] have?”
Bodhidharma replied, “No merit whatsoever.”
The emperor then asked, “Why does this have no merit?”
Bodhidharma said, “These are matters of small consequence in the affairs of men and gods that are caused by transgressions [literally, outflows]. It’s like shadows chasing form, nothing real about it [literally, although it’s there it’s not real].”
The emperor then asked, “What is genuine merit?”
Bodhidharma said, “Pure wisdom of sublime perfection, experiencing one’s [personal] solitary emptiness, seeking nothing in the world.”
The emperor then asked, “What is the first principle of the holy truth?”
Bodhidharma said, “Across the vastness, nothing holy.”
The emperor said, “Who is facing me?”
Bodhidharma said, “I don’t know.”
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Is this instance of "I don’t know" the same thing Foyan is criticizing? Why? Why not?
Bonus points if you answer to my question with: "I don't know"
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Submitted March 28, 2018 at 12:47AM by hookdump https://ift.tt/AAGMOm
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