The Master said, "The old worthy from Kiangsi (i.e. Ma-tsu) used to say that mind is Buddha. Even though the late Patriarch said that mind is Buddha, that was just a statement suited for a particular time. That kind of speech is like an empty fist full of yellow leaves which are used to stop [children's] crying. Nowadays there are many people who say that mind becomes Buddha and wisdom is the Way. They also consider that all seeing, hearing, feeling and knowing is the Way. Isn't that being like Yajnadatta who sought his head after seeing his reflection in a mirror? Even if he could find something that way, that would still not be his original head. This is why the Bodhisattva scolded Katyayana for trying to speak the true Dharma with the mind of birth and death. These are all perverted views. If one says that mind is Buddha, that is like a hare or a horse with horns. If one says that it is neither mind nor Buddha, that is like a cow or a goat without horns. If it is your mind, then what need is there of a Buddha? If he is not without form, then how can he be the Way?"
- Sun Face Buddha, Cheng Chien Bhikshu (Nanchuan section)
One could be excused for thinking that holding one's mind in a state of 'questioning' is what Nanchuan is talking about - it's one way to avoid assertions and denials...but then of course, there's aversion. Still, there's knowing how to ask. What's it like to forget how to ask?
Submitted June 11, 2019 at 10:28AM by sje397 http://bit.ly/2MDewzl
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