Dongshan asked a visiting monastic, “Where have you been?” The monastic said, “I have visited a mountain.” Dongshan said, “Did you get to the top of the mountain?” The monastic said, “Yes, I did.” Dongshan said, “Was there anyone on top of the mountain?” The monastic said, “There was no one there.” Dongshan said, “You did not get to the top of the mountain.” The monastic said, “If I hadn’t, how would I know that there was no one there?” Dongshan said, “Reverend, why don’t you stay here for a while?” The monastic said, “It’s not that I mind staying. It’s just that there is someone in India who may not approve it.” Dongshan said, “I have my suspicions about this fellow.”
Student: “Why did someone in India not approve the monastic’s staying?”
Master: “In order to save his life.”
Commentary:
If you move even a step or stay anywhere, you will be trapped by death.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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