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: “Why did the master clap his teeth?”
Master: “Because of toothache.”
Student: “What is it that the nation prohibits?”
Master: “It prohibits people from breaking one into many.”
Student: “What happens when we violate the national law?”
Master: “We cannot avoid illness and death.”
Student: “Did the master have toothache because he violated the national law?”
Master: “No, you have it.”
Commentary:
One with earache is liable to take praise for blame.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
Zen Fools 