Mokugen was never known to smile until his last day on earth. When his time came to pass away he said to his faithful ones: “You have studied under me for more than ten years. Show me your real interpretation of Zen. Whoever expresses this most clearly shall by my successor and receive my robe and bowl.”
Everyone watched Mokugen’s severe face, but no one answered.
Encho, a disciple who had been with his teacher for a long time, moved near the bedside. He pushed forward the medicine cup a few inches. This was his answer to the command.
The teacher’s face became even more severe. “Is that all you understand?” he asked.
Encho reached out and moved the cup back again.
A beautiful smile broke over the features of Mokugen. “You rascal,” he told Encho. “You worked with me ten years and have not yet seen my whole body. Take the robe and bowl. They belong to you.”
Nice story, I am sure there is a message, but I just dont get it. Did someone understand the point?
Posted by: oska | July 20, 2009 at 06:35 AM
Gina, you changed your blog. Looks very fresh! Me likey.
Posted by: Nancy Imperiale | August 11, 2009 at 05:53 PM
But no, I didn't understand, either. I'm still puzzling over the story. Guess I'm not California enough!.........
Posted by: Nancy Imperiale | August 20, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Encho showed his teacher that his teaching has been vital medicine and that it will be appreciated even more when he is gone.
Posted by: Melody Haller | August 21, 2009 at 03:35 PM