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Chan Master Longtan Chongxin became a monk under Chan Master Tianhuang Daowu. For several years, he chopped wood and cooked, and carried water to make soup, but received not a word of Dharma instruction from Daowu. One day, he said, “Master, for many years I have been a monk under you. Yet not once have you instructed me. Please have compassion and teach me the Dharma so I can cultivate the Way.” Daowu answered, “You do your master a grave injustice. Think. Since you came here, not a day has passed that I did not transmit to you the cultivation of the Way.”
“Your disciple is stupid and does not know what you have taught him,” replied Chongxin. “When you bring me tea, I drink it for your sake. When you bring me food, I eat it for your sake. When you join palms to show me respect, I nod to you. Where have I been remiss? Have I not instructed you in the essentials all along?”
Hearing this, Chan Master Chongxin immediately awakened.
This exchange between master and disciple shows us that Chan is not different from daily life. Gathering wood, carrying water, drinking tea, or eating – every activity we perform is rich with the boundless subtleties of Chan.