Joshu said, “A clay Buddha cannot cross water because it collapses. A steel Buddha cannot cross a forge because it melts down. A wooden Buddha cannot cross fire because it burns. What is the true Buddha?”
Student: “What is the true Buddha?”
Master: “It is a clay Buddha, a steel Buddha and a wood Buddha.”
Commentary:
The Buddha appears according to the preferences of sentient beings. Don’t say that you don’t know him even if he appears with a ghost’s face.
©Boo Ahm All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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