Zen grasp Sengmi of Shenshan crossed a river together with his dharma brother Dongshan. Dongshan stated, “Don’t make a mistake together with your steps and slip into the present.” Shenshan stated, “If I make a mistake with my steps, then I received’t stay 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: “Hear intently.”
Pupil: “How will you save the one who slipped into the present?”
Grasp: “I’m sorry he’s clinging to the present though I’m attempting my greatest to tug him out of it now.”
Commentary:
Regard the Buddha’s and patriarchs’ phrases as an enemy.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All photos ©Simon Hathaway
