A. Master: “That’s where light and shade is.”
Commentary:
Light and shade is no other than the land without light and shade.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
Tag: light
Q324. Student: “How should I cultivate my plot of mind?”
A. Master: “Don’t try to pull out weeds by force, and never let crops take root.”
Student: “Why shouldn’t I pull weeds out by force?”
Master: “Because they become crops when not taking root.”
Student: “Why shouldn’t I let crops take root?”
Master: “Because they become weeds when taking root.”
Student: “What shall I do in order to carry out your teaching?”
Master: “Keep your plot free from light and shade.”
Commentary:
Your plot is originally free from light and shade unless you make them.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
Q296. How is it possible to remove all at once and not gradually the illusions that we have made up for decades?
A. Our practice is like trying to brighten an old room that has been dark since it was made, even though it is installed with a nice electric light. We are looking for the light switch of the old room that has never been lit so far. The key problem is that we have no idea of the switch; where it is and what it is like, because we have never used it, or even seen it before. We can be said to be fumbling for the switch in the dark room. It may take time to find it, but it doesn’t take time to lighten the room once you find the switch. The moment you switch on the light, all the darkness will disappear. Likewise, all illusions disappear at the moment you attain enlightenment.
Student: “How can I remove all the illusions in an instant that I have made up for decades?”
Master: “It takes no time and no effort to remove them because they are empty.”
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
Q234. Student: “How can I enjoy an eternal life without birth and death?”
A. Master: “Live in the land without light and shade.”
Student: “Where is the land?”
Master: “There.”
Student: “Where is there?”
Master: “There.”
Commentary:
You don’t have to dig the earth for gold with your hands full of gold.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
Q213. Student: “What is the true-self?”
A. Master: “A word”
Student: “Where is it?”
Master: “In your mouth”
Commentary:
It cooks, and chats.
It brings peace, and causes troubles.
It makes the light and the darkness.
It does all these things.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
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