Korean Zen: Kyong Ho

Zen Master Kyong Ho (1849 - 1912) reinvigorated the Korean Zen tradition after its long period of suppression and isolation during the Joseon Dynasty. Early in his monastic career, he established himself as a leading teacher of the Buddhist sutras.

However, during a journey, he entered a village devastated by a cholera epidemic. Upon seeing many dead bodies, Kyong Ho had an insight into impermanence. This caused him to put down his books and begin a period of intensive meditation. Here's the story of Kyong Ho's awakening:

One day, about three months after Kyong Ho had begun his retreat, the novice monk who would bring his food went into town, where he ran into a layman who knew Kyong Ho. The layman asked, "What is the great teacher Kyong Ho doing these days? I heard he resigned his teaching post."

The novice monk replied, "Yes, Kyong Ho is practicing very, very hard. He only sits, eats, and lies down."

At that, the layman said, "If he only sits, eats, and lies down, Kyong Ho will be reborn as a cow."

The novice got upset at this remark and said, "Kyong Ho is one of the greatest Buddhist teachers in all Korea! How can you say that he will be born again as a cow?"

The layman replied, "No, that's not the way to respond to my statement. What you should have said is, 'If Kyong Ho is reborn as a cow, will he be reborn as a cow with no nostrils?'"

Still not comprehending, the monk went back to Kyong Ho, knocked on the door and told the story. When Kyong Ho heard the line "born as a cow with no nostrils" his mind suddenly opened and he ended his retreat.

Commentary
In East Asia, oxen are tethered through the nose. A "cow with no nostrils" could not be tethered, and thus could not be pulled around by anyone. Such an animal would be completely free (although breathing might be a challenge!).

Source: Don't Know Mind, by Richard Shrobe
Photo by Brian B

Comments

[Alice]

A commentary for this dimwit, pleez.

[Paul Lynch, JDPSN]

Shit Barry,

if I didn't have any nostrils then I'd be snoring loudly at night. But with the piercing trend with our youth, I would fit right in with the ring in my nose.

[Barry Briggs]

I can hear your rumbling snore up here in Seattle, Paul. No ring needed!

[Puerhan]

My questions is, if he is born as a cow with no nostrils, does he still have a tail or not?

;-)

~gassho~

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Puerhan - you can find out for yourself when you meet him!