Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

One day Master Isan Reiyu asked his students to express the truth in
their own words, saying: I would like to meet you in the area which is outside
of sound and form.

Acarya Kanko from Yushu was there. The Acarya said: I do not refuse to to
do so, but I wonder whether anyone would have the eyes to see what I said?
Master Isan did not affirm these words.

Master Kyozan presented his expression of the truth a total of four times.
First he said: I look at what it is impossible to look at.

Master Isan said: Your expression is as fine as powder, and as cold as snow or
frost.

Master Kyozan said a second time: Why should we need to meet someone
outside of perception?

Master Isan said: You are sitting right in the sravaka’s strange chair.

Master Kyozan said for a third time: It is like two mirrors reflecting each
other, but there is no image between the two mirrors.

Master Isan said: Those words are right. I agree with the words, but you
cannot agree with the words because you have placed an image between the two
mirrors.

So Master Kyozan asked Master Isan: My spirit is dark and clouded, so my
answers are not good. I wonder what words you used when you were studying
under Master Hyakujo.

Master Isan said: When I was studying under my late master, Hyakujo, this is
how I expressed it: When hundreds or thousands of bright mirrors reflect
images, light and images reflect each other, but at the same time, each minute
molecule is totally independent and does not rely upon others.

At these words, Master Kyozan prostrated himself. (Shinji Shobogenzo)