Xuefeng’s Rice Field
One day Xuefeng said to the assembly, “What we are talking about is like a rice field. It is dependent upon the people ploughing the fields and planting the seeds. Do not miss receiving this gift.”
Xuansha said, “Then what is the rice field itself?”
Xuefeng said, “Look!”
Xuansha said, “Although what you say is correct, I wouldn’t say it that way.”
Xuefeng said, “Then how would you say it?”
Xuansha said, “One by one, each and every person.”
Student: “What is the gift that Xuefeng mentioned?”
Master: “You already missed it.”
Student: “Why did Xuefeng say, ‘Look’ and Xuansha say, ‘One by one, each and every person’ to the same question?”
Master: “What is two plus three?”
Student: “Five.”
Master: “I wouldn’t say it that way.”
Student: “Then how would you say?”
Master: “One plus four, or six minus one.”
Commentary:
See what is the same beyond what looks different.
Hear what is the same beyond what sounds different.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
#zen #meditation #zenmeditation #enlightened #enlightenment #zenfools #photography
Zen Fools 