Zhimen Guangzuo
Jap., Chimon Koso
Zhimen Temple (Wisdom Gate) Light Blessing
| born: c. 940 died: 1031 place: China |
| Chan master: Xianglin (J., Kyorin) Chan disciples: Xuedou (J. Setcho), ... |
| stories: Blue Cliff Record, Case 21 Osho Live Zen, ch. 7 |
Zhimen came from Zhejiang Province, later
traveled to the Chengdu area of Sichuan to be with
his Chan master, Xianglin. He later lived and taught
at Zhimen Temple, from where his "mountain name"
derives.
traveled to the Chengdu area of Sichuan to be with
his Chan master, Xianglin. He later lived and taught
at Zhimen Temple, from where his "mountain name"
derives.
| oshobob The Living Workshop |
| Zen Masters |
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| Chimon is one of the greatest masters…. A monk asked Chimon, “What will the lotus flower be when it has not yet come out of the water?” Chimon said, “The lotus flower.” The monk asked, “What about when it is out of the water?” Chimon said, “The lotus leaves.” There ends the dialogue – it seems the monk has understood. Chimon has made an existential statement. Even in the seed the lotus flower is a lotus flower. You cannot see it but its being does not depend on your seeing. If it was dependent on your seeing, then certainly the seed cannot be called the lotus flower, it will be a lotus flower only when floating on the water with open leaves, dancing in the sun. But that which floats on the water, if it is not hidden in the seed, from where can it come? In the seed it was invisible to our eyes. Our eyes have their limitations; our eyes could see it only when it started floating on the water. That is our limitation; it is not a change as far as the lotus flower is concerned... --Osho Live Zen, ch. 7 |
Chinese simplified: 智门光祚