The difference between the meaning of the Patriarch and that of the Sutras (2) – 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: “What is the difference between the two meanings?”

Master: “Water in summer and ice in winter.”

Commentary:

Water, steam and ice are essentially the same although they have different appearances and different names.

©Boo Ahm

All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway