Tree

Linji:

“Followers of the Way, the view of the Chan school is that the sequence of death and life is orderly. The student of Chan must examine [this] most carefully.

“When host and guest meet they vie with each other in discussion. At times, in response to something, they may manifest a form; at times they may act with their whole body; or they may use tricks or devices to appear joyful or angry; or they may reveal half of the body; or again they may ride upon a lion or mount a lordly elephant.

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When [Yuanwu’s teacher] Fayan first came to Wuzu Temple, Yuanwu was working there as temple manager. At that time a new kitchen was to be built in an area where a beautiful tree stood.

Fayan said, “Although the tree is in the way, don’t cut it down.”

Yuanwu cut down the tree anyway.

Fayan reacted furiously, and picking up his staff he chased after Yuanwu as if to strike him. Yuanwu began to run away to avoid the beating, but then suddenly experienced great enlightenment and cried out, “This is the way of Linji!”

He then grabbed the staff away from Fayan and said, “I recognize you, you old thief!”

Fayan laughed and went off.

From this time forward, Fayan allowed Yuanwu to lecture the Dharma to the other monks.

Submitted January 01, 2019 at 04:30PM by 1_or_0 http://bit.ly/2EZi8XV