Zen master Dizang held a memorial service for his teacher Xuansha. He invited Baoen and served him dinner. When Baoen looked at the altar, there was no picture of Master Xuansha. So, he asked, “Do you have a portrait of your master?” Dizang folded his hands, bowed, and said, “Look!” Baoen said, “There is no picture.” Dizang said, “It’s clear that you don’t see it, but it’s here.”
Student: “What is the portrait of Master Xuansha?”
Master: “You don’t see it, but it’s here, too.”
Student: “Why can’t I see it now?”
Master: “Because you can’t see me.”
Commentary:
He who cannot see what is right before him cannot see other things, either.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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