The Diamond Sutra (6) – Second Commentary
Part 1-6
Upon finishing his begging, he returned to his dwelling and ate. He put away his robe and bowl, washed his feet, laid down a mat, and sat on it.
Commentary:
Whatever action the Buddha performed, its purpose was always to guide people towards realising the true-Self. Even seemingly simple acts—folding his robe, placing his alms bowl aside, washing his feet, laying out his seat, and sitting on it—were no exception.
There was once a monk who had practised under a renowned master for many years. He felt frustrated, believing that the master had never given him any teachings, and repeatedly asked for instruction. Each time, the master promised he would teach him, yet his demeanour and actions never changed. Over time, the master never offered any explicit guidance the disciple expected, and eventually, the monk’s patience wore thin. One day, the monk said to the master, “For over ten years I’ve been by your side, asking for teachings. You always said you would teach me, but in all that time you’ve never truly given me any instruction. I’ve decided to leave and seek another teacher.” The master solemnly replied, “How dare you say I haven’t taught you anything? When you brought me meals, I ate them and taught you as I ate. When you brewed me tea, I drank it and taught you as I drank. What I’ve shown you—nothing else—is the teaching.” But the monk, still failing to grasp the master’s intention, remained firm in his decision to leave. As he turned to go, the master called out to him. The monk turned his head, and the master said, “There is nothing beyond this.” In that moment, the monk awakened.
This story reveals that just as the historical Buddha taught through his simple acts—folding his robe, sitting on a mat—the great master was teaching the monk through ordinary actions like eating and drinking tea, each revealing Buddha-nature. After ten years, the young monk finally saw what had always been in front of him.
From this, we understand that every action the Buddha performed—from putting on his robe to sitting down—was itself a profound teaching. In truth, we are all constantly showing one another the true-Self, but fail to recognise it. The Buddha always felt sorry that sentient beings failed to recognise the true-Self whilst facing it all the time.
Disciple: “What did the young monk see in the master’s actions?”
Master: “It is still seen even now.”
Disciple: “What is it?”
Master: “I’m tired today. Come back tomorrow.”
Do not blame what is hidden.
If your eyes are sharp,
it is clearly revealed, even at midnight.
If your eyes are blind,
you cannot see it, even in broad daylight.
©Boo Ahm
All writing ©Boo Ahm. All images ©Simon Hathaway
