The Gateless Gate, Case No. 9
A monk asked Seijo of Koyo and said, “Daitsu Chisho Buddha did zazen for ten kaplas in a Meditation Hall, and could neither manifest the truth nor enter the Buddha-Way. Why was this?”
Seijo said, “Your question is self-explanatory.”
The monk persisted, “Why did he not attain Buddhahood by doing zazen in the Meditation Hall?”
Seijo replied, “Because he didn’t.”
Mumon's Commentary
I approve the old barbarian's realization, but I don't approve the old barbarian's understanding. An ordinary man who understands it is a sage, but a sage who understands it is only an ordinary man.
The Closing Verse
Far better than realizing the body to rest is to realize the mind and to be at peace.
If the mind is realized, the body knows no anxiety.
If both mind and body are completely realized,
A holy hermit does not wish to be appointed lord.
If the mind is realized, the body knows no anxiety.
If both mind and body are completely realized,
A holy hermit does not wish to be appointed lord.
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