The existence of things as separate entities and not as separate entities are both dualistic concepts. As Bodhidharma said: 'There are separate entities and there are not, but at the same time they are neither the one nor the other, for relativity is transient.' If you disciples cannot get beyond those incorrect orthodox teachings, why do you call yourselves Zen monks? I exhort you to apply yourselves solely to Zen and not to go seeking after wrong methods which only result in a multiplicity of concepts. A man drinking water knows well enough if it is cold or warm. Whether you be walking or sitting, you must restrain all discriminatory thoughts from one moment to the next. If you do not, you will never escape the chain of rebirth.
Huangbo Xiyun, On Transmission of Mind, translated by John Blofeld
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Wandering Ronin commentary and questions: This does not fit into my black and white worldview... I can understand all things being separate, and I can even understand all things being one, but relativity being transient? Its too unpredictable, too messy, and I can't control anything whatsoever with that. Perhaps I should leave all of that alone and just chop wood and carry water?
Submitted February 11, 2019 at 08:08PM by WanderingRoninXIII http://bit.ly/2SrDWlO
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