When Yangshan was abbot of a monastery at Donping, Guishan despatched a letter and a mirror to him. Throughout his speak within the dharma corridor, Yangshan acquired the letter, held up the mirror, and mentioned to the meeting, “Guishan has despatched a mirror. Inform me, is that this Guishan’s mirror or Yangshan’s mirror? When you say it’s Yangshan’s mirror, I say Guishan despatched it. When you say it’s Guishan’s mirror, I say it’s in Yangshan’s hand. When you can say a phrase, I’ll preserve it. When you can’t say a phrase, I’ll destroy it.”
Yangshan mentioned this 3 times. Nobody within the meeting responded, and Yangshan struck the mirror.
Pupil: “Why did Yangshan destroy the mirror?”
Grasp: “As a way to let the meeting know the proprietor of the mirror.”
Pupil: “Who on the planet is the proprietor?”
Grasp: “He by no means speaks.”
Commentary:
It isn’t a king however his individuals who quarrel concerning the possession of land.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All photos ©Simon Hathaway