Zhaozhou’s “Indestructible Nature”
Zhaozhou was once asked by a monastic, “Before the world existed, there was already the original nature. When the world is destroyed, true nature is not destroyed. What is this indestructible nature?”
Zhaozhou said, “Four great elements and five skandhas.”
The monastic said, “They are destroyed. What is this indestructible nature?”
Zhaozhou said, “Four great elements and five skandhas.”
Student: “The Sutras say that four great elements and five skandhas are destroyed without fail. Why did the master say that they are indestructible nature, the true-Self?”
Master: “In order to show the indestructible nature.”
Student: “I am still lost.”
Master: “The Sutras say that every name is its name.”
Commentary:
The indestructible nature and the destructible nature are not separate from each other. The former is hidden in the latter.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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