Once a monastic bid farewell to Joshu. Joshu said, “Where are you going?” The monastic said, “I will visit various places to study the Buddhadharma.” Joshu picked up his whisk and said, “Do not abide in any place where the Buddha is. Pass by quickly any place where there is no Buddha.”
Student: “The purpose of all monastics is to see the Buddha. Why did Joshu tell the monastic not to abide in any place where the Buddha is?”
Master: “Because it is the way to see the Buddha.”
Student: “Where is the place without the Buddha?”
Master: “Where is the place with the Buddha?”
Commentary:
That which really doesn’t exist is free from even the words ‘doesn’t exist’.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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