The World-Honoured One’s “Esoteric Speech”
Zen master Daoying of Mount Yunju was once asked by a government official who had brought an offering, “It is said that the World-Honoured One had esoteric speech and Mahakasyapa did not hide it. What is the World-Honoured One’s esoteric speech?”
Yunju said, “Officer.” The officer said, “Yes!” Yunju said, “Do you understand?” The officer said, “No, I don’t.” Yunju said, “If you don’t understand it, that is the World-Honoured One’s esoteric speech. If you do understand it, that is Mahakasyapa’s not hiding it.”
Student: “What did Yunju mean when he talked about the World-Honoured One’s esoteric speech and Mahakasyapa’s not hiding it?”
Master: “He meant that the World-Honoured One’s esoteric speech is wrapping paper, and Mahakasyapa’s not hiding it is the content.”
Commentary:
Ore is a just a piece of stone to a layman but jewellery to an ore expert.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway http://ow.ly/i/AofDd
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