Yangshan’s “Entering Nirvana”

Yangshan asked Commander Lu, “I hear that you achieved enlightenment by reading a sutra? Is this true?”

Lu said, “Yes, Master. When I read the Nirvana Sutra, it said, ‘Without cutting off desire, enter nirvana.’”

Yangshan held up a whisk and said, “How can this enter nirvana?”

Lu said, “There is no need for even the word ‘enter.’”

Yangshan said, “‘Enter’ is not for you.”

Lu stood up and left.

Student: “How is it possible to enter nirvana without cutting off desire?”

Master: “Because there is no desire to cut off.”

Student: “Why is there no need for even the word ‘enter’?”

Master: “Because it is a barrier separating you from nirvana.”

Student: “How can I enter nirvana without ‘enter’?”

Master: “Enter.”

Commentary:

Removing ‘enter’ from your mind is true ‘enter’.

Removing ‘nirvana’ from your mind is true ‘nirvana’.

©Boo Ahm

All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway

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