Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

When Mu-chou and a strange monk passed each other on the road, Mu-chou called, “Venerable Sir!” The monk turned. “A blockhead, ” Mu-chou remarked, then each walked on again. 

This anecdote was recorded by some monks, and years later Hsueh-tou criticized it, saying “The foolish Mu-chou was wrong. Didn’t the monk turn? Why should he have been called a blockhead?” 

Later Hui-tsang commented on this criticism, “The foolish Hsueh-tou was wrong. Didn’t the monk turn ? Why shouldn’t he be called a blockhead?” 

Nyogen Senzaki’s comment: “In China monks called each other “Brother,” and addressed a stranger as, “Venerable Sir.” But no matter what the salutation, it must be expressed in Zen, the briliancy of one’s own true nature. Monks cannot afford to waste time in unnecessary compliments. Wu-tsu said, “When you meet a Zen master on the road, you cannot speak to him, you cannot face him with silence. What are you going to do?”

You may speak to Mu-chou if you are not clinging to words.You may face Mu-chou in silence if you are free from silence. If you have Zen, whomever you meet and whatever you see will be your noble and beautiful associate without exception.”‘

I would say big head rather than blockhead.