Hearing swallows, Master Hyunsa said on the high seat, “They speak of the essence of everything and preached the core of the Dharma well” and descend from the seat.
Student: “How can I hear the core of the Dharma the swallows preached?”
Master: “You can hear it when you don’t speak.”
Student: “Why can’t I hear it when I don’t speak?”
Master: “Because you still speak.”
Commentary:
The reason why you don’t discern what reaches your ears is that you mistake your speaking for being silent.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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