| |
perhaps you will not see him, but you will feel his presence -- particularly those who have known his presence.
Nansen will feel him if he comes. He knows his fragrance, he knows his touch, he knows the atmosphere that comes with him.
He had asked a very beautiful question, but not a single disciple was yet able to understand a mysterious phenomenon.
And Tozan, who was destined to become an enlightened master himself, certainly showed deeper understanding. He said, "HE WILL WAIT FOR A COMPANION TO COME. I know him, he will not come alone -- that was not his habit. If he comes, he will come with another enlightened person also."
Seeing this man's understanding, NANSEN COMMENTED, "ALTHOUGH THIS MAN IS YOUNG, HE IS QUALIFIED FOR THE TRAINING."
He did not much appreciate Tozan's answer, because it is conditional. And as for Ma Tzu's coming to the ceremony, he will not follow the old habit of being followed by a companion.
He is not coming here to teach anybody, why should he wait for any companion? The companion was taken just to avoid any misunderstanding with the people. Here he will be a guest; there is no need for him to wait for a companion.
That's why Nansen has not given him much credit, although Tozan has shown a little understanding. So he says, "ALTHOUGH THIS MAN IS YOUNG, HE IS QUALIFIED FOR THE TRAINING."
TOZAN RESPONDED, "THE VENERABLE SIR SHOULD NOT OPPRESS A GOOD MAN BY REGARDING HIM AS A WORTHLESS FELLOW."
He felt offended. He must have been thinking that he would be appreciated.
But I agree with Nansen... there was a little truth in his understanding that `he will come, but he will wait for a companion'. But that `waiting for a companion', destroyed his whole understanding. That's why Nansen says, "HE IS QUALIFIED FOR THE TRAINING."
But Tozan felt insulted deep down. He was thinking he would be appreciated, that while no other disciple had responded, he, a traveling monk, has said that he will come. He has shown his deep understanding, but Nansen is not appreciating his understanding; he is at the most saying that he is qualified for the training.
TOZAN RESPONDED,
|
|
|