Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘Huang-po said, No, not at all. In Sung China, when a person is asked about some talent or ability he may possess, even if he wishes to acknowledge the ability, he answers, “No, not at all.” Hence, the words “No, not at all” do not literally mean, “No, not at all. They are not to be taken at face value. As for the mode of understanding of a Zen master, even though he is a master, or even though he is a Huang-po, when he speaks he has no choice but to say, “No, not at all.” When a water buffalo appears, it can only say “Ohng, Ohng.” This kind of utterance is authentic. Try to utter the essential meaning of his utterance! Make an utterance on his utterance!’ (Shobogenzo Bussho)

This passage was just after the Baizhang story from yesterday. Can you make like the water buffalo? Say it!