Zen master Sengmi of Shenshan crossed a river with his dharma brother Dongshan.
Dongshan said, “Don’t make a mistake with your steps and slip into the current.”
Shenshan said, “If I make a mistake with my steps, then I won’t live to cross the river.”
Dongshan said, “What is the state without mistakes?”
Shenshan said, “Crossing the river with the elder.”
Student: “Who is the elder whom Shenshan said he crossed the river with?”
Master: “He is sitting with you.”
Student: “Who do you mean? Why can’t I see him?”
Master: “Because you slipped into the current.”
Commentary:
One man is enjoying swimming and the other man is drowning in the same river.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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