性在萬相 60. The True Meaning of the Cypress Tree in the Garden

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性在萬相 60. The True Meaning of the Cypress Tree in the Garden

A long time ago in China, someone asked Zen Master Joju, "Why did Bodhidharma come to China?" "The cypress tree in the garden," he replied. Years later, Zen Master Song Sang commented:

"Fish moving, water become cloudy.

Bird flies, a feather falls."

Many Zen Masters have offered commentaries on Song Sang's verse. Zen Master Hae Am commented:

"Self-nature is already clear.

Mind moving is already a big mistake."

1. Joju said, "The cypress tree in the garden," What does this mean?

2. Song Sang said "Fish moving, water become cloudy. Bird flies, a feather falls." Where is his mistake? Where is there not a mistake?

3. "Self-nature is already clear. Mind moving is already a big mistake." That is only an explanation. What is the true meaning?

COMMENTARY: Zen Masters Hae Am and Song Sang are wrestling with each other. They hit and kick each other. Blood is flowing; their faces are broken and bruised. But they still don't understand why they are wrestling. The cypress tree is clearly in front of you in the garden.

So why are they wrestling together? They have no eyes and no consciousness. In the clear mirror, red comes - red is reflected; white comes - white. Don't make anything. Just see it, just do it. This is better than opening your mouth. Watch your step!