I hope summer has been treating everyone well! Here in Anyang, it’s “only” 34C (93F) which is down from 39C (102F) yesterday!
We’re working on translating two new talks, but they’re taking a bit more time than I expected. In the meanwhile, here’s an excerpt from one of them. I doubt Daehaeng Kun Sunim was thinking about social media at the time, but her warning still kind of applies!
Questioner: My question concerns the story of the Chinese Fifth Patriarch of Chan (Seon), Hongren, and his disciple, the Sixth Patriarch, Huineng. After Hongren passed the robe and bowl to Huineng, he warned him to leave. Huineng asked, “Where should I go?” The teacher replied, “Remain in a place where you find Huai (懷), [to cherish or embrace,] and hide yourself in a place like Hui (會), [to gather or assemble.]” I would like to ask about the deeper meaning of these words.
Kun Sunim: Huineng asked, “Where should I go?” but in reality, it doesn’t matter where the physical body goes. It is simply a matter of the mind.
The instruction to remain in a place where the character “Embrace” is found means you should help and work together with those people who sense this reality of one mind. These people are like sturdy trees, with fruit fragrant and ripening. Help them to grow and fully mature.
On the other hand, the teaching to hide yourself in places where many gather means that you shouldn’t open your mouth around those who have no interest in understanding the workings of nonduality, and who instead gather to gossip or criticize others.
So, no matter where you go, decide for yourself which place is best, and that will become the right place for you.
(From a Dharma talk on August 16, 1992)
Wake Up and Laugh! 