When Sukdu visited Master Hangsa, Hangsa asked him, “Where are you from?” Sukdu said, “I am from Jogae.” Hangsa, raising a cup, said, “Is there a thing like this in Jogae?” Sukdu answered, “Not only does it not exist in Jogae, but it doesn’t exist in India.” Hangsa said, “Have you been to India?” Sukdu responded, “If I had been there, it would exist.” Hangsa said, “That is not yet it. Speak again.” Sukdu said, “You must not leave it all to me. You, too, should say half a word.” Hangsa said, “I don’t mind speaking to you, but I fear that in the future there will be no one who understands.”
Student: “Why did Sukdu say that it didn’t exist not only in Jogae but also in India although there were a lot of cups not merely in Jogae but also in India?”
Master: “Because he saw what you can’t see and didn’t see what you see.”
Commentary:
All suffering of sentient beings is from mistaking what doesn’t exist for what exists.
©Boo AhmAll writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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