The Sramenara Ben Guan came from a far away land to a large Monastary on an island to learn the True Dharma. During his stay, he had heard over and over again that the Buddha was all things, existing everywhere.
One day, as is customary at this time, the monks lined up after the mid-day meal. The Temple Bell rang out, signaling the Bhikkhus to turn towards the Buddha Hall and bow.
After the bow, Sramenara Ben Guan addressed the Ch’an Master Wisdom Light, asking indignantly “If the Buddha is everywhere, why must we turn towards the Main Hall to Bow?”
The Venerable Patriarch immediately answered “If the Buddha is everywhere, then turn towards the Main Hall and Bow.”
All present could only see the Master’s finger.
if they looked a little harder they would have seen mine as well
ReplyDeleteBuddha will bless everyone.
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