Yunyan’s “Not a Single Word”
One day Yunyan said to the assembly, “There is a child in this household. If you ask a question, there is nothing he can’t answer.”
Dongshan Liangjie then asked, “How large a library does he have?”
Yunyan said, “Not a single word.” Dongshan said, “Then how come he is so learned?” Yunyan said, “He does not sleep day or night.” Dongshan said, “If we ask him about the single matter, can we get a response?”
Yunyan said, “Although he can speak, he won’t answer.”
Student: “Who is the child?”
Master: “Look at him directly now.”
Student: “Why can’t I see him now?”
Master: “You don’t recognise him since you have neglected him for a long time.”
Student: “Why won’t he answer although he can speak?”
Master: “Because he speaks what can’t be spoken.”
Student: “How does he speak what can’t be spoken?”
Master: “You, too, are doing it now.”
Commentary:
Whenever you speak, he speaks.
Don’t beg others for charity while throwing away your money.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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