Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

‘The Fifth Ancestor, Huangmei, had an assembly of seven hundred monks, but he passed the robe and bowl of transmission only to the pilgrim Lu [Huineng].

How about the likes of you gathered here who are still clinging to delusive greed and ignorance? Can you overcome these things and carry forth our school? Those who leave home must have heroic resolve, cut off the two heads, and practice in seclusion in the house of the self. Afterward they must throw open the door, get rid of the possessions of that self, and then receive and meet whatever comes, giving aid to any in need. In this way the deep compassion of Buddha can be in some small measure repaid. Aside from acting in this manner, there is nothing else.’ (Zen’s Chinese Heritage)