Caoshan was once asked by a monastic, “A child went back to her parent. Why didn’t the parent pay attention to her?” Caoshan said, “It is quite natural just like that.” The monastic said, “Then where is the love between parent and child?” Caoshan said, “The love between parent and child.” The monastic said, “What is the love between parent and child?” Caoshan said, “It cannot be split apart, even when hit with an axe.”
Student: “A child went back to her parent. Why didn’t the parent pay attention to her?”
Master: “Because you can’t perceive it.”
Student: “How does the parent pay attention to her?”
Master: “Nothing and no one can harm her.”
Commentary:
A lost child cannot feel loved until he turns back to his parent.
©Boo AhmAll writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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