Master Jangsa called a monk by name, “Sangseo.” When Sangseo answered, “Yes” Jangsa said, “Sangseo is not the original being.” Sangseo asked, “Is there any other being but the one who is responding now?” Jangsa said, “Sangseo cannot be called the most venerable one.” Sangseo said, “Then, is that which never responds to you my original being?” Jangsa said, “It has been the source of birth and death not only when you answer, or when you don’t answer but also since time immemorial.”
Student: “What is Sangseo’s original being?”
Master: “Your original being.”
Student: “What is it?”
Master: “You can’t not only speak even a word but also move a finger without depending on it.”
Commentary:
Although a king never sows and harvests in person, all servants who sow and harvest depend on him.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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