Sayings of Joshu Case 52

Joshu was preaching to the people. He said, "Brethren! If a man comes from the south, we should at once relieve him of his load. If a man comes from the north, we should give him a load to carry. Has it not been said, 'Ask a high-ranking person for the Way and you will lose it; ask a low-ranking person for the Way and you will find it'?"

-The Recorded Sayings of Zen Master Joshu translation by Yoel Hoffmann

AssholeBuddha Commentary:

In the commentary of this case it is said,

NOTE: Joshu spent his later life in northern China. This saying implies criticism of Zen teaching in southern China. In contrast to Joshus "rustic" style, masters and monks of the south used to indulge in "Zen shows" demonstrating their enlightenment.

I disagree with this commentary.

A man who comes from the south is to be relieved of his load whereas a man who comes from the north is to be given a load to carry- what is this 'south' and what is this 'north'? Why the distinction?

I propose two verses;

I

The 2nd patriarch out of desperation,

Sliced his arm off in search of salvation,

Bodhidharma pointing to mind,

Huike's burdens released from bind.

II

A clever monk concocts a snare,

The Master entertains this monks dare,

'Does a dog have Buddha-nature too?',

The Master confuses the monk with 'Mu!'.

Have a safe and happy Christmas everyone! 🎅 🌲 🤶

Submitted December 24, 2019 at 07:16AM by AssholeBuddha https://ift.tt/35RYk2n