The Real Shobogenzo: I simply had no reply

Dahui's Real Original, the First Shobogenzo:

363.  Master Wuzu Yan said to an assembly, Yesterday I went into the city and saw a puppet show.  I couldn’t help approaching to watch, and saw some exceptionally fine looking, others unbearably ugly.  Having seen them individually moving around, walking and sitting, blue, yellow, red, and white, when I looked closely it turned out there was someone behind a blue curtain.  Unable to restrain myself, I asked the puppet master’s name.  He said, “Old monk, just watch—why ask for a name?”  At this remark of his, I simply had no reply, no reason to give. 

Can anyone speak for me?  Yesterday I lost my reserve [savings] over there; today I pay back the principal here.  

.

(Welcome link) ewk link note: Ha! A puppet master beats a Zen Master! These guys aren't so tough... why all the fuss? Why all the fame? Pay back the principal! Pay it! Pay!

Submitted January 29, 2020 at 08:24AM by ewk https://ift.tt/2vvpBue