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Autumn Retreat - The Recorded Sayings of Linji
*We should not regard the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, or Arhats as the “absolute standard” or the ultimate refuge, because these are only “images we have created” and can become “shackles that bind us.” Fixed notions about the Buddha or God may only temporarily soothe our suffering but do not lead to true liberation. Zen teaches “if you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha”—we must “kill” the old images and notions of the Buddha in order to touch the truth, and only those who are truly ripe can practice this.
*Santa Claus is a typical example of an image necessary for faith, but which must also be transcended. Children believe that at midnight, Santa Claus will come down the chimney to place gifts in the stockings hanging by the fireplace. The innocent image of Santa Claus includes:
- a red suit
- a red hat with a tassel
- a long white beard
- high boots for walking on snow
- a sleigh pulled by reindeer
*The story of Angulimala illustrates the “sword of wisdom” of the Buddha, which cuts through the notion of “enemy” through compassion and mindfulness. Although he was a notorious murderer, Angulimala put down his knife and knelt to ask for refuge after realizing, “I have stopped for a long time already; it is you who have not stopped.” Labeling others as “devil,” “communist,” “terrorist,” and so on is the very root of violence. The sword of wisdom helps us cut through all labels and prejudices, so that we can see the seed of goodness in each person and bring an end to division and suffering.