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When Su Dongpo practiced meditation with Chan Master Foyin at Jinshan Temple, he felt as if his body and mind were flowing without obstruction. “Chan master,” he said, “when you see how I sit, what do you think?” “Most dignified,” answered Foyin, “like a Buddha.” This pleased Su Dongpo greatly. Foyin asked him, “Scholar! When you see how I sit, what do you think?” Su Dongpo replied, “Like a pile of cow dung!” This left Su Dongpo feeling he had achieved something extraordinary. He told everybody he met that day, “I have gained complete victory over the Chan master.” His sister, Su Xiaomei, said, “Older brother, exactly how did you defeat the master?” After he explained, she rebuked him sternly. “Older brother, you have lost. The Chan master’s mind is like the Buddha’s. Therefore, he saw you as a Buddha. But your mind is like cow dung, therefore you saw the Chan master as cow dung.” Su Dongpo was dumbstruck. His sister was right, of course. His Chan realization was far beneath Chan Master Foyin’s.
Chan is not mere knowledge; it is awakening to one’s nature. Chan is not clever debate, but spiritual wisdom. Out of his imperturbable serenity, the Chan master roars the thunder of the Dharma.