Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

Once a novice named Gao was visiting Master Yaoshan’s place. The master asked him, “Where are you coming from?”
Gao said, “From South Peak.”
The master asked, “And where are you headed?”
Gao said, “To Jiangling to receive the full ordination precepts.”
The master asked, “What is the point of receiving the precepts?”
Gao replied, “To become free of birth and death.”
The master said, “There is someone who doesn’t receive the precepts and has no birth and death to get free from. Do you know this person?”
Gao said, “Then what is the use of getting the precepts?”
The master was silent. Gao bowed and withdrew.
Then Yaoshan’s senior student Yuanzhi, who had heard the conversation, came up beside the master. Master Yaoshan said, “That novice has some life in him.”
Yuanzhi said, “I’m not completely convinced. Maybe you should test him again.”
When evening came Yaoshan entered the hall to give a talk. He asked, “Where is the novice I spoke with earlier today?”
Gao came forth, and the master said to him, “You’re a traveler – I hear that the capital Chang’an is very busy. What do you think?”
Gao said, “My province is peaceful.”
The master said, “Is your attainment from reading scriptures or from hearing lectures?”
Gao said, “I didn’t attain anything from reading scriptures or hearing lectures.”
The master said, “Many people don’t read scriptures or listen to lectures. How come they don’t have realization?”
Gao said, “I wouldn’t say they don’t have it, only that they are not willing to accept it.”