The difference between the meaning of the Patriarch and that of the Sutras (1) – Zen Fools

A monastic asked Master Pareung, “Is the meaning of the Patriarch the same as the meaning of the Sutras, or different?” The master replied, “A chicken climbs a tree when it is cold, while a duck goes down to the water when it’s cold.”

Student: “Is there any difference between the two meanings?”

Master: “Clouds in the sky can’t cleave the sky.”

Commentary:

Everyone wears working clothes when working and pyjamas when sleeping.

©Boo Ahm

All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway