39. Ummon's Sidetrack
39. Ummon's Sidetrack
A Zen student told Ummon: "Brilliancy of Buddha illuminates the whole universe."
Before he finished the phrase Ummon asked: "You are reciting another's poem, are you not?"
"Yes," answered the student.
"You are sidetracked," said Ummon.
Afterwards another teacher, Shishin, asked his pupils: "At what point did that student go off the track?"
Mumon's comment: If anyone perceives Ummon's particular skillfulness, he will know at what point the student was off the track, and he will be a teacher of man and Devas. If not, he cannot even perceive himself.
When a fish meets the fishhook
If he is too greedy, he will be caught.
When his mouth opens
His life already is lost.
If he is too greedy, he will be caught.
When his mouth opens
His life already is lost.