When Layman Ho-on was sitting in Zazen he asked Master Reisho: An ancient Master said “Clear, clear are the hundreds of grasses. Clear, clear is the consciousness of the ancient masters.” What do you think of these words?
Master Reisho said: With your experience in Zazen and dignity, how could you bring up such a story?
The layman said: But what do you think?
Master Reisho repeated the same words: “Clear, clear are the hundreds of grasses. Clear, clear is the consciousness of the ancient masters.”
The layman laughed loudly.
3 comments:
Master Reisho is actually the layman's daughter, so this should be read as an intimate exchange between two people whom know each other very well.
The 'hundred grasses' refers to the miscellaneous diverse trials and tribulations of life. The whole phrase expresses the broad, inclusive view of stable zen practice.
Master Reisho questions her father on why he would even need to talk about this, but he wants to clarify it with his daughter and so he persists.
The Master just affirms the truth of the words in reply. Nothing is hidden.
I think laughter is the best affirmation of mutual understanding (it sure that hell beats a whack of a zen stick!)
Regards,
Harry.
My Eight year old, weather of he own volition or out of a desire to be more intimate with daddy, has taken an interest in the end blown flute. Her fingers can not reach all the holes. But she is beginning to be able to produce a sound clearly. Clear, clear are the hundreds of grasses. Clear, clear is the consciousness of the ancient masters.”
or it's just a load of confused garbage
confused, confused and obfuscative these old zen stories !
the
monk
had
no
reply
they
never
do !
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