TWELVE
Master Tôzan Ryokai District In preached to the congregation When we understand from experience what the Buddha ancestors, then we can talk.
A monk then asked What kind of "talk" would it be?
Tôzan Ryokai said For example, when a monk speaks, he can not listen.
The monk replied: Can you hear in these circumstances, master?
Tôzan said When I do not speak, I can listen.
Commentary master Nishijima:
Once they realized the truth, people continue their usual Buddhist practice and the tasks of daily life. That is what is meant by "Buddha ancestors.
Master Tôzan wanted to express or demonstrate the Buddhas ascending to his disciples. The monk was interested in the nature of discussions that would place after they had themselves experienced the Buddha ascendancy.
He believed that such a discussion between Buddhas should necessarily be very sublime and mystical. But the master was relieved of this misconception. These are just ordinary discussions, "he said. "When a monk speaks, he can not hear." What's more ordinary and practical?!
However, the monk said he was the master, by his profound wisdom, should certainly not be limited by aspects also common. Again, master Tôzan said simply: "When I do not speak, I can listen." nothing strange or mysterious here. It's the same in the life of a Buddha ascendancy. It's simple, plain and direct, but people are so keen to make images or worship idols that they can, rather than pursuing their own practice, which can sometimes seem too boring and ordinary.
This story is a bucket of cold water to those who are left intoxicated by a romantic vision of Zen.
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