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Spring - The Record of Master Linji
The ideal person in Buddhism is represented by three figures:
- The Arhat in Original Buddhism.
- The Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism.
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The businessless person in Linji Zen.
The distinction between the traditions is essentially an attitude rather than a teaching, because the practice of non-self is fundamental. When we can let go of the notion of self, and there is no longer discrimination between self and other, then the Arhat is also the Bodhisattva. The businessless person is someone who has stopped, who no longer runs after, grasps, or seeks any object, whether it is the Buddha, the Patriarchs, Nirvana, the Three Bodies, or the Pure Land. This is the person with nothing more to learn, who does not need to seek insight on the outside because they have touched the truth already present within themselves.
Sutras and teachings are only skillful means, a finger pointing to the moon or a raft to cross the river; if we get caught in words and concepts, they will become dry bones or a dangerous trap. All notions about the Buddha, the Patriarchs, or ourselves are ghosts that need to be destroyed so that reality itself can manifest. “If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha” means to destroy the Buddha-ghost – the limited images of the Buddha in our minds – so as not to be pulled away from the present moment. Teachings and constructs such as the Three Bodies, the Three Jewels, Nirvana, and the Three Dharma Seals are skillful means to lead us into the world of reality, but if we get caught in them, we will fall into the trap of the ancients.
A true practitioner of the Way does not strive exhaustingly or punish their body and mind, but only needs to stop to see that they are already water, are already Nirvana, and find their true home in every step, breath, or the act of eating, putting on clothes, drinking water, or going to the toilet. The words of the Patriarch have the capacity to destroy, untie, and heal, helping to end the seeking and begging for merit on the outside in order to discover that we are a reality of wonder right here and right now. This teaching is very much in accordance with the spirit of the teaching of non-attainment.
Part of the following collection
Winter Retreat - The Record of Master Linji