A monastic asked Yaoshan, “What is the most precious treasure of the Way?”
Yaoshan said, “Don’t flatter others for your own benefit.”
The monastic said, “How is it when one does not flatter others?”
Yaoshan said, “Even if an entire nation were offered, it would not be accepted.”
Student: “Why did Yaoshan tell the monastic not to flatter others for his own benefit?”
Master: “Because we can’t get any benefit by flattering others.”
Student: “Why wouldn’t an entire nation be accepted even if it were offered?”
Master: “Because what can be offered and accepted is not precious.”
Commentary:
Flattering others for your benefit is begging your servants for charity.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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