Huang Po doesn't slay his friend.

Our master came originally from Fukien, but took his vows upon Mount Huang Po in this prefecture while he was still very young. And the centre of his forehead was a small lump shaped like a pearl. His voice was soft and agreeable, his character unassuming and placid. Some years after his ordination, while journeying to Mount T'ien T'ai he fell in with a monk with him he soon came to feel like an old acquaintance; so they continued their journey together. Finding the way barred by a mountain stream in flood, our Master lent upon his staff and halted, at which his friend entreated him to proceed. 'No. You go first.' said our Master. So the former floated his big straw rain-hat on the torrent and easily made his way to the other side. 'I' sighed from the Master, 'have allowed such a fellow to accompany me! I ought to have slain him with a blow of my staff!'

Commentary: When they got to the mountain stream, his friend made it to the other side... by floating his straw hat...🤦💆Seems like his friend is a fake. So why is he Huang Po's friend? Is he just that compassionate and sober-minded to be patient enough to walk with him? 'An old acquaintance' indeed. Maybe Huang Po was not born the way he was and was enlightened by other means (no magic hat-ship). I would have slain him on sight.

Submitted June 20, 2020 at 03:17AM by bulldogeyes https://ift.tt/2VhsIQD