Ikkyu Sojun

 

When Ikkyu Sojun was abbot of Daitokuji, a layman approach him and said: “Master, you are renowned both for your wisdom and the beauty of your calligraphy. It would be a great honor if you would write down some words of guidance which I could hang on my wall and reflect upon.”            

Ikkyu took up his writing brush and, with a flourish, wrote the single word “Attention” on a sheet of paper.

“‘Attention?’” the layman read.  “Could you elaborate?”

Ikkyu wrote a second time, “Attention.”

That’s not much,” the layman protested, uncertain whether his request were being taken seriously or not.

Ikkyu wrote one more time, “Attention.”

“Okay, okay,” the layman spluttered.  “But what does ‘attention’ mean?”

“Attention,” Ikkyu told him, “means Attention.”

Zen Masters of Japan: 128-40

The Story of Zen: 186, 350

Bassui

Bassui wrote: “Those who wish to break the cycle of rebirth must know the way of becoming a Buddha. The way of becoming a Buddha is the way of enlightenment. Before one’s father and mother were born and before one’s own body was formed, one’s mind existed unchanged until now as the ground of all sentient beings. This is also called one’s original countenance. This mind is pure from the beginning. When the body is born, it is without the form of life, and, when the body dies, it is without the form of death. Neither does it have the form of man or woman, of good or evil. Because there is nothing to which it can be compared, it is called Buddha Nature. From this mind there arise ten thousand images like waves on a vast great sea or forms reflected in a mirror.”

Zen Masters of Japan: 114-125