When Rinzai got here to Ryoko throughout his interval of wandering, Ryoko was giving a Dharma discuss on the Excessive Seat. Rinzai stepped ahead and requested Ryoko, “With out drawing the sword, how may one conquer?” Ryoko clutched his seat. Rinzai stated, “How may an amazing trainer not have skilful means?” Ryoko stared and let loose a protracted sigh. Rinzai, pointing at him together with his finger, stated, “This outdated fellow, in the present day he was lowered to bewilderment!”
Commentary:
Rinzai’s query ‘With out drawing the sword, how may one conquer?’ meant ‘Are you aware the true-Self that’s so free from illusions that there isn’t a one to overcome and be conquered not point out the sword?” Ryoko responded by revealing the true-Self by clutching his seat. Rinzai, pretending to disapprove his reply, requested him once more in order that he may see if Ryoko was deluded by the phrases ‘How may an amazing trainer not have skilful means?’ which may look like humiliating. Ryoko misplaced no time in exhibiting skilful means by staring and letting out a protracted sigh. Rinzai’s final phrases and angle in the direction of Ryoko may sound impolite and degrading, however his intention was to point out how nice Ryoko was to his college students, and to check them to see if they may grasp his appraisal of Ryoko because the operate of the true-Self.
Pupil: “What would you say in case you are requested ‘With out drawing the sword, how may one conquer?’?”
Grasp: “I might say, ‘Why are you wielding the sword so dangerously?’”
Pupil: “How would you reply in case you are requested ‘How may an amazing trainer not have skilful means?’?”
Grasp: “I might say, ‘An incredible trainer’s skilful means is seen to none however the sensible’.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All photos ©Simon Hathaway
