When a monk asked Master Sukshang, “What’s the meaning of the Patriarch’s coming from the west?”, the master clapped his teeth. The monk didn’t make sense of the meaning and asked Master Goobong, “What’s the meaning of the master’s clapping his teeth?” after Master Sukshang passed away. Goobong said, “Even if I get my tongue cut out, I can’t violate what the nation prohibits.”
Student: “What’s the meaning of the master’s clapping his teeth?”
Master: “Goobong already said the answer.”
Student: “What is it that the nation prohibits?”
Master: “It prohibits people from breaking one into many.”
Student: “Why can’t I understand it?”
Master: “Because you violate the national law.”
Commentary:
Breaking one into many is the source of all calamities.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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