Question asked by a monk to Master Nan’in.
Japan : Master Zen Nan’in (1840 – 1910)
A monk asked this question to Master Nan’in :
‒ Reverend; what is Buddhism’s big concern?
Master Nan’in answered:
‒ The origin of myriad diseases.
The monk asked:
‒ Please heal me!
Master Nan’in answered:
‒ The world and the doctor fold their arms.
A follower made another request:
‒ Reverend, where is the path?
Master Nan’in response :
‒ It is right in front of your eyes.
‒ And why can’t I see it?
‒ Because you are lacking the intention to see, and your only desire is to get, you only think of yourself.
Impertinence of the monk:
‒ What about you? How do you see it ?
‒ As long as your obsession is YOU: You have a binary vision. And you think: I cannot, and you, how do you do it? Your focus is spread and your eyes are obscured.
Curiosity of the monk:
‒ When there is no “I” or “YOU”, is it possible to see the path?
‒ When there is no “I” and no “YOU”, who is asking the question?
