Zen master Huangbo asked his teacher, Baizhang, “How can we explain the teaching that has been handed down?” Baizhang remained seated in silence. Huangbo said, “If so, what will people in the future receive?”
Baizhang said, “They will say that you are a true person.” He then returned to the abbot’s room.
Student: “What did Baizhang mean by ‘They will say that you are a true person’?”
Master: “He showed what people want to receive.”
Commentary:
To receive nothing is to be foolish, and to receive even a tiny thing is calamity.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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