Shôyôroku, Case 93: Shiso Does Not Understand (Audio)

Teisho presented by Arno Hess on 19/08/2023 at the Pathway Zen Zenkai at Spring Hill, QLD, Australia.


Introduction

People use jewels from Mt. Kei to strike down magpies;
Old rats bite pieces of gold.
They don’t understand their treasure, they can’t make use of it.
Is there anyone who suddenly finds the gem hidden in their own clothes?

Case

Shiso asked Nansen, “’People do not recognize the Mani-pearl; it is intimately grasped in
the treasury of the Tathagata.’ What is this treasury?” Nansen said, “Old Master O
exchanges questions and answers with you. That’s it.” Shiso said, “How about when there is
no exchange of questions and answers?” Nansen said, “That’s also the treasury.” Shiso said,
“What is the pearl?’ Nansen called him to come near, saying, “Shiso!” Shiso said, “Yes!”
Nansen said, “Get out. You don’t understand my words.”

Verse

Differentiating “yes” and “no,” clarifying “gain” and “loss”,
Responding to this in the heart, pointing to that in the palm –
Coming and going, not coming and not going: both are nothing but treasury.
King Tenrin rewarded the worthy ones with it,
Emperor Yellow found it through a blind man.
Turning the pivotal activities, skilled in the art –
You clear-eyed monks, never take it carelessly!

Subscribe to our Mailing List

Subscribe to our mailing list. Get updates and reminders for retreats and events.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *