Once a master delivered a dharma talk at a special Buddhist service where his mother was present. On the high seat the master stripped himself of all his clothes, becoming completely naked. All the attendees, including his mother, were embarrassed and left the place in a hurry. Then, the master said to his mother who was leaving, “When I was young, you hugged and kissed me all the time. Why are you avoiding me now even though I am still the same son that you loved?”

Student: “Why did the master take off all his clothes?”
Master: “He showed them what they wanted to see.”
Commentary:
Much compassion caused misunderstanding.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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