A monk asked Baso, "What is the buddha?" Baso Answered, "No mind, no Buddha."
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Mumon's Comment: If you have understood this, you have finished studying Zen.
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Mumon's Verse:
Present a sword if you meet a swordsman;
Don't offer a poem unless you meet a poet.
When talking, tell one third of it;
Don't divulge the whole at once.
(The gateless Gate, sekida, case 33, pg 103)
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Jammy Jims Comment: I haven't understood it, but it begs some questions, how many of us know what to present, and what to offer?
It seems to me like the skill it takes to tell one third, is greater than giving away the whole. With this in mind, there is plenty of babble here, but how much of it is without a tongue? Who are the poets, who are the swordsman?
Has Mumon betrayed himself?
Submitted November 10, 2018 at 08:26AM by JimJamz11 https://ift.tt/2AYoRho
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