Shanzhao Smacktalk

Changqing asked Lingyun, "What is the fundamental meaning of the Buddha Dharma?"

Lingyun answered,"The donkey prevents one from going forth, the horse causes one to arrive."

Shanzhao's verse:

Questioning Lingyun, Changqing realised his capacity for leaving home

The donkey motivates before practice, the horse causes the arrival

Changqing is not awake to the truly grounded

Recognize the shadow in the phrase, a shadow difficult to find

I tell all you Chan companions today

A bright sun illumines the bustling aromatic street markets

---

So, "capacity for leaving home" is none other than enlightenment--if you don't have the capacity, you can't express the function.

Is Shanzhao denigrating Changqing? Is he praising him?

To the bunch of fakers who come in here, their "awakenings" are matters-of-doctrine that they tie their life to. Zen Masters, freely coming and going, have no such qualms. Haven't you heard?

A monk asked, "When I am completely void of understanding, what then?"

Zhaozhou said, "I understand even less."

But what's that bit about the preventing donkey and causing horse?

Zen companions! GIVE. ME. A. BOOK. REPORT.

Submitted February 27, 2022 at 04:29AM by ThatKir https://ift.tt/XdQnbgC