Shundo David Haye – Zen Priest

Yaoshan, Great Master Hongdao, asked novice Gao, “Did you get it by reading a sutra or from personal guidance?”
Gao said, “I didn’t get it by reading a sutra or from personal guidance.”
Yaoshan said, “There are many who don’t read a sutra or receive personal guidance. How come they don’t get it?”
Gao said, “I can’t say they don’t get it. Perhaps they don’t want to hit the mark.” (quoted in Shobogenzo Kankin)

We discussed this in Monday’s Dogen group: we assume that Yaoshan recognises Gao’s understanding, but wants to test him by asking how he achieved it. Not from external means, Gao implies. What about the other people who don’t get it from external means (ie, by not practising)? Gao doesn’t want to disparage them, but suspects “they do not dare to experience it directly,” as our other translation has it.