About 17 years ago, Zen Master Dae Kwang came to town. Over dinner, I asked him about the mudra shown the above photo: "Sir, what is the meaning of this mudra?"
He said, "It means that nirvana and samsara are the same."
I was a pretty new Zen student and had never heard of such a thing. So I asked him, "What does that mean?"
He batted away the question with his hand and said, "Later."
The Zen master, following in the Buddha's tradition, refused to enter my hall of mirrors.
It has taken me a long time to see this "later" as a genuine gift. The mirror of "later" means: Right now, how is it?
Photo by John Wigham
Ancient teachings brought to life here and now - this tradition of the Buddhadharma is alive and breathing, all we need to do is open our eyes to it! Thank you for helping us along that path!
Posted by: Kusa | August 05, 2010 at 08:35 AM
I mostly have a hard time seeing how it is right now, instead holding, checking and you know the drill. Good teaching, by the Zen master and your post today. thanks!
Posted by: jill i | August 05, 2010 at 06:21 PM
Nirvana and samsara and maya and samadhi and alpha waves and omega waves and heaven and hell, and purgatory and limbo, and bliss and pain - all the same thing.
Posted by: Suzanne Foxton | August 06, 2010 at 10:46 PM
Thanks, everyone!
Posted by: Barry Briggs | August 10, 2010 at 07:32 AM