There is something magical about those moments when, no matter how many people I might consult, no answer is given. We see a lot of stories about this in Chan Buddhist interactions between the Master and student. I would like to quote Master Sheng Yen's example in Tea Words Volume II (2013) at some length:
A story from the Tang dynasty tells of a disciple who
asked his master, “How can I calm my mind?” The master
said, “I’m too busy right now, why not consult your first
Dharma brother?” The disciple did as he was told. The first
Dharma brother said, “I have a headache, I can’t talk now.
Why not talk to second Dharma brother?” But the second
Dharma brother said, “I have a stomach ache, why don’t you
talk to Master?” So the disciple went back to his master and
complained, “Nobody told me how to calm my mind;
nobody told me anything.” The master said, “You really are
a stupid fool. Everybody has been telling you how to calm
your mind.” Upon hearing this, the disciple realized
enlightenment. (p.16)
What resonates with me about this passage is not the part about "enlightenment", but more so the part about not having anyone to tell the answer to how to calm one's mind. This story reminds me that ultimately, people are not guided to their own mind by way of words or explanations. In fact, sometimes the opposite might be the case, wherein too many concepts cloud the mind, creating a confused sense that we have already accomplished something that we have not actually experienced directly. More so, it tends to reinforce a kind of craving mindset, where we wander from one idea or book to the next in search of an idea that will provide us with bliss. In fact, this seeking after explanations only upholds a mind that is agitated and filled with desires. It doesn't help a person see the clarity that is beneath the thoughts.
The other aspect of this story that appeals to me is how this disciple eventually realizes that his teachers refusals are actually revealing his own mind. When I have exhausted this desire to know through others, I am no longer clinging to them for answers, and then I am able to see that it's letting go of this appeal that leads one to the true mind. As I suggested in another blog entry, sometimes the simple mundane life, with all its thrown-ness (to borrow from Heidegger) can help disillusion people of the idea that they can find themselves in the explanations provided by others, be it authorities, books, "experts" or other respected peers.
Sheng Yen (2013) Tea Words Volume II Elmhurst NY: Dharma Drum Publications
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