起雲龍出 301. Mahakashyapa's Flagpole

[선혜]

起雲龍出 301. Mahakashyapa's Flagpole

Ananda asked Mahakashyapa, "Buddha transmitted to you the Golden Brocade Robe. What else did he transmit to you?"

Mahakashyapa called out, "Ananda!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Knock down the flagpole in front of the gate."

1. What else did Buddha transmit to Mahakashyapa?

2. Mahakashyapa called Ananda. Ananda answered. What does this call and answer mean?

3. "Knock down the flagpole in front of the gate." What does this mean?

4. If you were Ananda, and Mahakashyapa said, "Knock down the flagpole," what could you say?

COMMENTARY: The sky has no clouds, but lightning hits the flagpole. Mahakashyapa and Ananda both lose their jobs.