Huitang Zuxin [W-G: Hui-t’ang Tsu-hsin /J: Maido Shoshin]

A Confucian visited the Zen master Huitang Zuxin and asked him to explain the matter of Zen.

“There’s a passage in the writings of your master, Confucius, which explains Zen very well. Are you familiar with these lines: ‘My disciples, do you think I’ve withheld anything from you? Be assured, I haven’t held back anything at all.’”

The Confucian started to reply, and Huitang cut him off, shouting, “No!”           

The Confucian was left confused by the encounter. Sometime later, however, he and Huitang were walking in the mountains. It was spring and the flowering trees were in blossom. Huitang said, “Can you smell them?”               

“Yes.  Of course.”               

“As I said, I’ve kept nothing back.”

Zen Masters of China: 285-87

 

Xianglin Chengyuan [W-G: Hsiang-lin Ch’eng-yuan / J: Kyorin Choon]

Xianglin Chengyuan was once asked the traditional question, “Why did the first patriarch come east?” It is a way of asking what the purpose of Zen is. 

He replied, “It’s not good for one’s health to sit too long.”

Zen Masters of China: 279-80