A donkey’s work and a horse’s work (1)

A monastic asked Master Young-woon, “What is the crux of Buddhism?” The master answered, “A donkey’s work not being finished yet, a horse’s work has already come.” The monastic, not grasping its meaning, asked for more teaching. The master said, “Although the splendid energy moves every night, meeting the spirit is rare.”

Student: “What is the difference between a donkey’s work and a horse’s work?”

Master: “The former can’t be finished but the latter is already done.”

Commentary:                                          

One who tries to find gold by breaking gold is one who mistakes gold for stone.

©Boo Ahm

All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway