Saturday, 25 January 2020

The Gateless Gate - Case #9: Daitsū Chishō Buddha

Full case

A monk asked Kōyō Seijō, “Daitsū Chishō Buddha sat in zazen for ten kalpas and could not attain Buddhahood. He did not become a Buddha. How could this be?” Seijō said, “Your question is quite self-explanatory.” The monk asked, “He meditated so long; why could he not attain Buddhahood?” Seijō said, “Because he did not become a Buddha.”

Mumon’s comment

I allow the barbarian’s realization, but I do not allow his understanding. When an ignorant man realizes it, he is a sage. When a sage understands it, he is ignorant.

Mumon’s verse

Better emancipate your mind than your body;

When the mind is emancipated, the body is free,

When both body and mind are emancipated,

Even gods and spirits ignore worldly power.

Comment

How can you become what you already are? What can you attain when there is nothing to gain?

This case rests verseless.



Submitted January 25, 2020 at 07:57PM by felipeforte https://ift.tt/2vf8psC

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