Taiyuan Fans Himself

Master Taiyuan asked his student Gushan, “Where are the nostrils you had before your parents were born?”

Gushan said, “Born right now.”

Taiyuan did not approve and said, “You ask me, and I will tell you.”

Gushan said, “Where are the nostrils you had before your parents were born?”

Taiyuan just fanned himself.

Student: “What would you say if you were asked the same question?”

Master: “They are in the face you had before your parents’ births.” 

Student: “I can make no sense of it.”

Master: “They can’t be plugged.”

Commentary:

Don’t mistake what is shown for what is explained.

©Boo Ahm

All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway

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