Xuefeng’s “Turning the Dharma Wheel”
Zen master Yicun of Mount Xuefeng pointed with his finger at a furnace and said to Xuansha, “All Buddhas in the three worlds are in here, turning the great dharma wheel.” Xuansha said, “The king’s regulations are rather strict.” Xuefeng said, “How so?” Xuansha said, “Stealing is not permitted.”
Student: “What did Yicun mean when he, pointing at a furnace, said that all Buddhas are there, turning the great dharma wheel?”
Master: “He showed the king.”
Student: “Why did Xuansha say, ‘The king’s regulations are rather strict’ and ‘Stealing is not permitted’?”
Master: “Because nothing can be stolen in the king’s nation even though everything is left alone without being guarded.”
Commentary:
Once you have realised the king’s strict regulations, you are allowed to steal the whole universe.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway http://ow.ly/i/C1OyV
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