When Rinzai came to Kegon in the prefecture of Jo, Kegon pretended to be dozing, leaning on his staff. Rinzai said to him “Old Venerable, what shall I do if you doze off?” Kegon answered, “A great visitor of Zen is really different.” Rinzai said, “Attendant, go and make tea for the Venerable.” Kegon called the monk in charge and said, “Install this monk in the third seat.”
Commentary:
Seeing Rinzai coming, Kegon pretended to be dozing to test him. Rinzai, sensing Kegon’s intent, revealed the true-Self by saying, “Old Venerable, what shall I do if you doze off?” Kegon tested Rinzai again to see if he was really above being deluded by words by saying, “A great visitor of Zen is really different.” Rinzai responded well by saying, “Attendant, go and make tea for the Venerable”, with which Rinzai revealed the true-Self. Kegon, approving Rinzai’s enlightenment, told the monk in charge to install him in the third seat.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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