When he became emancipated the sixth patriach received from the
fifth patriach the bowl and robe given from the Buddha to his
successors, generation after generation.
A monk named E-myo out of envy pursued the patriach to take this
great treasure away from him. The sixth patriach placed the bowl
and robe on a stone in the road and told E-myo: `These objects just
symbolize the faith. There is no use fighting over them. If you
desire to take them, take them now.'
When E-myo went to move the bowl and robe they were as heavy as
mountains. He could not budge them. Trembling for shame he said: `I
came wanting the teaching, not the material treasures. Please teach
me.'
The sixth patriach said: `When you do not think good and when
you do not think not-good, what is your true self?'
At these words E-myo was illumined. Perspiration broke out all
over his body. He cried and bowed, saying: `You have given me the
secret words and meanings. Is there yet a deeper part of the
teaching?'
The sixth patriach replied: `What I have told you is no secret
at all. When you realize your true self the secret belongs to
you.'
E-myo said: `I was under the fifth patriach for many years but
could not realize my true self until now. Through your teaching I
find the source. A person drinks water and knows himself whether it
is cold or warm. May I call you my teacher?'
The sixth patriach replied: `We studied together under the fifth
patriach. Call him your teacher, but just treasure what you have
attained.'
Mumon's Comment: The sixth patriach certainly was kind
in such an emergency. If was as if he removed the skin and seeds
from the fruit and then, opening the pupil's mouth, let him
eat.
You cannot describe it, you cannot picture it,
You cannot admire it, you cannot sense it.
It is your true self, it has nowhere to hide.
When the world is destroyed, it will no be destroyed.
