Zen master Sengmi of Shenshan crossed a river with his dharma brother Dongshan. Dongshan said, “Don’t make a mistake with your steps and slip into the current.” Shenshan said, “If I make a mistake with my steps, then I won’t live to cross the river.” Dongshan said, “What is the state without mistakes?” Shenshan said, “Crossing the river with the elder.”
Student: “What does ‘making a mistake with one’s steps and slipping into the current’ mean?”
Master: “Listen closely.”
Student: “How can you save the one who slipped into the current?”
Master: “I am sorry he is clinging to the current although I am trying my best to pull him out of it now.”
Commentary:
Regard the Buddha’s and patriarchs’ words as an enemy.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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