A Badly Behaved Brother, Version 2

Zen Master Wu-tai went to live on Wu-tai Mountain. When he was about to pass away in front of the Diamond Cave, he asked the monks, "I have already seen people passing away while sitting or lying. Has there been anyone who has passed away standing?"

The monks answered, "Yes, there has been."

The Master asked, "And how about anyone passing away while standing on his head?"

The monks said, "We have not heard of anyone."

The Master then stood on his head and passed away. He looked dignified and his robe stayed properly attired on his body. When the monks decided to lift the body and take it away for cremation, the body was still standing erect and it was impossible to move. People from near and far came to see this. Everyone greatly marveled at this occurrence.

The Master had a sister who was a nun. When she came to the body, she bowed, came close, and shouted, "Brother! While alive you didn't comply with the Dharma-Vinaya; even after your death you are still confusing people." She then pushed the body with her hand and the body fell flat on the ground. Soon afterwards the body was cremated. The sariras were placed into a pagoda.

Commentary

Who makes confusion?

Source: Sun-Face Buddha by Cheng Chien Bhikshu

Photo by Jonathan Pio