Master Baoshou took the high seat. Zen master Sansheng pushed a monastic forward. Baoshou hit the monastic with his staff. Sansheng said, “This guidance of yours does not only blind this monastic, but it also blinds everyone in the entire city.” Baoshou threw down the staff and went back to the abbot’s room.
Student: “Why did Sansheng push a monastic forward?”
Master: “Because you are blind.”
Student: “Why did Baoshou hit the monastic?”
Master: “Because you are blind.”
Student: “Why did Sansheng say to Baoshou, ‘This guidance of yours does not only blind this monastic, but it also blinds everyone in the entire city’?”
Master: “Because you are deaf.”
Student: “Why did Baoshou throw down the staff and go back to the abbot’s room?”
Master: “Because you are blind.”
Commentary:
Masters show one but the blind see many.
Masters show something big, but the blind see many small things.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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