Huineng Doesn’t Understand
Zen master Huineng of Mount Caoxi was once asked by a monastic, “Who has grasped the significance of Huangmei, the Fifth Patriarch?”
Huineng said, “Those who understand the Buddhadharma have it.” The monastic said, “Do you have it, Master?” Huineng said, “No, I do not have it.” The monastic said, “How come you don’t have it?” Huineng said, “Because I don’t understand the Buddhadharma.”
Student: “How come master Huineng didn’t have the significance of the Fifth Patriarch, Huangmei?”
Master: “Because he knew what the significance is.”
Student: “What is the significance?”
Master: “It is not what can be gained or lost.”
Student: “Why did Huineng say that he didn’t understand Buddhadharma?”
Master: “Because you misunderstand him.”
Commentary:
Having a precious thing, however precious it may be, is not as good as having nothing.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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