Master Woonmun said to his students, “It is said that you should attain enlightenment by seeing forms and hearing sounds. What is it to attain enlightenment by seeing forms and hearing sounds?” No student responded. The master, raising his hand, said, “Avalokitesvara brought money and bought a piece of cake.” He, lowering his hand, said, “It was originally a slice of bread.”
Student: “What did Woonmun mean by ‘Avalokitesvara brought money and bought a piece of cake’?”
Master: “He revealed sounds.”
Student: “What did he mean by lowering his hand?”
Master: “He showed forms.”
Commentary:
Realise that sounds are not sounds and that forms are not forms and you will see the true-Self.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
Zen Fools 