CHAPTER 18 (Cont.)

“When host and guest meet they vie with one another in discussion. At times, in response to something, they may manifest a form; at times they may act with their whole body; or they may, by picking up a tricky device, make a display of joy or anger; or they may reveal the half of the body[1]:or again they may ride upon a lion or mount upon a lordly elephant.

“A true student[2] gives a shout, and to start with holds out a sticky lacquer tray. The teacher, not discerning that this is an objective circumstance, goes after it and performs a lot of antics[3] with it. The student again shouts but still the teacher is unwilling to let go. This is a disease of the vitals, which no doctoring can cure: it is called ‘the guest examines the host.’

“Sometimes a teacher will proffer nothing[4], but the instant a student asks a question, robs him of it.[5] The student, having been robbed, resists to the death and will not let go[6]: this is called ’the host examines the guest.’

“Sometimes a student comes forth before a teacher in conformity with a state of purity. The teacher, discerning that this is an objective circumstance, seizes it and flings it into a pit. ‘What an excellent teacher!’ exclaims the student, and the teacher replies, ‘Bah! You can’t tell good from bad!’ there upon the student makes a deep bow: this is called ‘the host examines the host.’

“Or again, a student will appear before a teacher wearing a cangue and bound with chains. The teacher fastens on still more chains and cangues for him. The student is so delighted that he can’t tell what is what: this is called ‘the guest examines the guest.’

[1] If whole body, no problem, no consciousness appears
[2] Understands coming from the source.
[3] Explaining.
[4] No opinion.
[5] Completely embracing person questioning.
[6] “Why won’t he answer me?”

-Rinzai

-Thank you to Victoria Eastep for donating a Buddha statue which is being used for the Butsudan-altar. She is recovering from a serious surgery to her neck a couple weeks ago, while her brother was receiving triple bypass surgery on the same day at the same hospital. I would like to wish both of them a healthy recovery. - Gensh