Deshan was once asked by a monastic, “Who was able to hear Shakyamuni Buddha’s talk at the assembly on Vulture Peak?” Deshan said, “The enlightened heard it.” The monastic said, “I wonder what was spoken at the assembly on Vulture Peak?” Deshan said, “The enlightened understand it.”
Student: “What did the enlightened hear?”
Master: “It is still heard.”
Student: “Why can’t I hear it?”
Master: “Because your ears are stuffed with words.”
Commentary:
Not a word did the Buddha say.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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