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Zen Zomics: Making a Mirror

SKRAP!

From Master Dogen’s Shinji Shobogenzo Book 1, Koan 8 of the Gudo Nishijima translation.

Master Baso Do-itsu of Kozei in the Ko district served as Master Nangaku Ejo's Jisha (personal secretary) and intimately received Gautama Buddha's mind-seal. He lived in Denpo Temple constantly sitting in Zazen, and was the most outstanding of Master Nangaku's disciples. Master Nangaku knew that Master Baso had exceptional ability in studying Buddhism.

Master Nangaku went to Master Baso and asked: Now, great monk, what is your intention in practicing Zazen?

Baso Do-itsu said: I intend to become a buddha.
Nangaku Ejo picked up a piece of tile and began to polish it on a stone in front of Master Baso's hut.

Baso Do-itsu said: Master, what are you doing?

Nangaku Ejo said: I am polishing this tile to make it into a mirror.

Baso Do-itsu said: How can polishing a lile make il inlo a mirror?

Nangaku Ejo said: How can sitting in Zazen make you into a buddha?

Baso Do-itsu asked: What is the right thing to do?

Nangaku Ejo said: When a man is riding a carriage, if the carriage does not go forward, what should we do? Strike the carriage, or strike the ox which draws the carriage?

Baso Do-itsu had no reply.

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