Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘In my place there’s no doctrine to be given to people. I just wrap up the case on the basis of the facts. It’s just as if you bring a crystal pitcher which you cherish like anything, and as soon as I see it, I smash it for you. And if you bring a wish-fulfilling gem, I’ll take it away from you. Seeing you come this way, I’ll cut off your two hands for you.’ (Swampland Flowers)

I think the old Chinese teachers had more scope to sound dramatically brutal, but hopefully the training is still the same: let go of whatever you think it important. Keep letting go. Let go of the letting go. What do you have then? Who are you then? Let that go. And so on…