One day Yunyan said to the assembly, “There is a child in this household. If you ask a question, there is nothing he can’t answer.” Dongshan Liangjie then asked, “How large a library does he have?” Yunyan said, “Not a single word.” Dongshan said, “Then how come he is so learned?” Yunyan said, “He does not sleep day or night.” Dongshan said, “If we ask him about the single matter, can we get a response?”
Yunyan said, “Although he can speak, he won’t answer.”
Student: “Who is the child?”
Master: “He is not he anymore once you have recognised him.”
Student: “How can I recognise him?”
Master: “You cannot move even one of your fingers without his support.”
Student: “Why won’t he answer although he can speak?”
Master: “Because he says what cannot be done.”
Commentary:
All the Buddhas and patriarchs spoke only to themselves.
©Boo AhmAll writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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