Ma-Tsu Is Not In Harmony With The Way

A monk asked, "How should one be in harmony with the way?" The patriarch replied, "I'm already not in harmony with the way."
-Record of Ma-Tsu, Sun Face Buddha, Cheng Chien Bhikshu version, pg 79, section 22

Inquiry: Is my not being in harmony with the way just like Master Ma's? What was he speaking about? Was he feeling guilty? Deluded? Tired?

Do you feel in harmony with the way?

I wonder if this harmony is similar to other harmony, like singing with a group. Harmony is not some destination you arrive at, but a more of a coming and going. You open your mouth, but then maybe you can't hear the others- so you quiet down and listen and then start again as best you can.

Who sets the pitch and the key?

Submitted February 07, 2020 at 04:22AM by Gocloudrunwater https://ift.tt/380OxrP