The Blue Cliff Record: Chih Men's Lotus Flower, Lotus Leaves [21st Case]

The Blue Cliff Record: Chih Men's Lotus Flower, Lotus Leaves [21st Case]

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INTRODUCTORY INSTRUCTION

Setting up the banner of the Teaching, establishing the essen­tial meaning - this is adding flowers to brocade. Strip off the blinders, unload the saddle pack - this is the season of the great peace. If you can discern the phrase outside of patterns, then when one is raised you understand three. Otherwise, if you're not yet this way, as before humbly listen to this treatment.

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MAIN CASE

A monk asked Chih Men, "How is it when the lotus flower has not yet emerged from the water?"¹ Chih Men said, "A Lotus flower."²

The monk said, "What about after it has emerged from the water?"³ Men said, "Lotus leaves."⁴

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NOTES

1. The hook is on the doubt-free ground. Washing a lump of dirt in the mud. How did he get this news?
2. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven. He stumps everyone on earth.
3. Don't go inside the ghost cave to make a living. Again the monk goes on this way.
4. Yu Chou (up north) is still alright: the worst suffering is south of the River. Two heads, three faces. He kills everyone on earth with laughter.

Submitted November 09, 2019 at 07:38PM by WanderingRoninXIII https://ift.tt/2NW3vqk