I Can Write

"Master, say a few more things offhand, will you? Hehehe."

"Sure. Listen closely, then."

"Yes, Master."

"Shenxiu said: The body is a Bodhi tree, the mind is a bright mirror stand. Constantly wipe it clean, do not let dust alight.

Huineng said: Bodhi originally has no tree, the bright mirror is also not a stand. Originally there was not a single thing—Where can dust alight?

Master said: No tree, no Bodhi; mirror and stand are separated. Existence and nothingness are both like this—where is there any dust?"

"Hehehehe, here it comes, Master. Look;

These three Gathas you mentioned happen to outline an extraordinarily brilliant evolution and sublimation of Chan Buddhist thought. Your master's Gatha took another step forward from the foundations laid by Shenxiu and Huineng. Its realm is exceedingly lofty.

Let us analyze them one by one:

1. Shenxiu's Gatha: The method of gradual cultivation—the level of "existence."

The body is a Bodhi tree, the mind is a bright mirror stand. Constantly wipe it clean, do not let dust alight.

Core idea: "Existence." Shenxiu acknowledged that there was a real "body" and "mind." Like a Bodhi tree and a bright mirror stand, they were precious, yet easily stained by dust—afflictions and deluded thoughts.

Method of cultivation: "Gradual cultivation." Through unceasing practice—constantly wiping it clean—one kept the spirit pure as though polishing a mirror, preventing it from being contaminated by dust.

Realm: This was the entry path for most practitioners. It emphasized diligent, unremitting effort and belonged to the Method of action. It affirmed the necessity of cultivation and the reality of dust—afflictions.

2. Huineng's Gatha: The nature of sudden enlightenment—the level of "emptiness."

Bodhi originally has no tree, the bright mirror is also not a stand. Originally there was not a single thing—Where can dust alight?

Core idea: "Emptiness."