A monk requested Joshu, “They are saying that the Nice Manner shouldn’t be troublesome provided that we don’t make a selection. What shouldn’t be to select?” Joshu answered, “Solely I exist above and beneath heaven.” The monk mentioned, “That’s nonetheless making a selection.” Joshu responded, “What a bumpkin! The place is the selection?” The monk couldn’t say something.
Pupil: “What’s it to select?”
Grasp: “Saying phrases is.”
Pupil: “Then, why did Joshu say he had not made a selection though he mentioned, ‘Solely I exist above and beneath heaven’?”
Grasp: “As a result of he didn’t say a phrase.”
Commentary:
Misusing the Buddha’s mouth as you please is the supply of all calamity.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All photos ©Simon Hathaway
