Zen Grasp Sengmi of Shenshan crossed a river together with his dharma brother Dongshan. Dongshan stated, “Don’t make a mistake along with your steps and slip into the present.” Shenshan stated, “If I make a mistake with my steps, then I gained’t dwell to cross the river.” Dongshan stated, “What’s the state with out errors?” Shenshan stated, “Crossing the river with the elder.”
Pupil: “What does ‘making a mistake with one’s steps and slipping into the present’ imply?”
Grasp: “Take a detailed look.”
Pupil: “What’s the state with out errors?”
Grasp: “You possibly can stroll on the water with out your sneakers getting moist.”
Commentary:
Wanting down at your sneakers and the present is to slide into the present.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All pictures ©Simon Hathaway
