The Master [Lin-chi] went to see Feng-lin. On the way, he met an old woman.
"Off somewhere?" she asked.
"Off to Feng-lin," the Master said.
"I think you'll find that Feng-lin isn't in right now," the old woman said.
"Off somewhere?" said the Master.
The old woman walked away.
The Master called after her. She turned her head, whereupon the Master walked away.
Commentary
How often are we "off somewhere?" Lin-chi returned from his journey just in the nick of time.
Source: Zen Teachings of Master Lin-chi, translated by Burton Watson
Photo by Tim Samoff
Reminds me of - "no coming, no going, just being", sounds so simple yet so profound.
Posted by: Taru Sharma | January 27, 2009 at 04:31 AM
Thanks for your comment, Taru Sharma! While there is indeed "just being," I'm usually "off somewhere" else.
Posted by: Barry | January 27, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Barry, yes!
The most interesting thing is that when I am present, I don't even realize it.
Thank you
"Y"
Posted by: Yamakoa | January 28, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Same here, Barry..I practice to be in the moment but I rarely am in it. Specially being a cancer sun sign, I day dream a lot! Cancers are famous for that. Talk about trying to uncondition oneself!
Posted by: Taru | January 28, 2009 at 04:21 PM
I'm usually not only "off somewhere," I'm totally checked-out, with a paper bag over my head for good measure.
Barry, it took me a while to reach this wonderful blog, but I'm glad I'm here.
Lately I've been thinking about the role of women monastics and practitioners in Buddhism, and I'm happy to see that you are addressing that. Thank you.
I'm sure you already know about them, but I just heard about 2 books on women in Buddhism:
"Blossoms of the Dharma" and "Daughters of the Buddha." Have you read them?
Posted by: Alice | January 29, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Hi Taru, I suspect that dreaming isn't unique to Cancers - it's the basic human condition. From which we try to uncondition.
Hi Alice,
Yes, I'm quite familiar with the inside of that bag. I do have the books you mention and have scanned, but not read them. Have you read them?
Posted by: Barry Briggs | January 30, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Hi Barry,
I've only read excerpts from the two books. I have added them to the long queue of books I'd like to read sometime. I'm sure they will be read when the moment is right. I'll let you know when that time comes.
Thanks!
Posted by: Alice | February 03, 2009 at 11:22 AM