The Enlightenment Of Trees And Grass

Anecdotes

oi-Staff

By Staff

Thursday, July 16, 2009, 12:42

Shinkan, in the Kamakura era studied Tendai for six years. He then studied Zen for seven years after which he went to China where he contemplated Zen for thirteen years. Having returned to Japan, many wanted to interview him and shoot obscure questions. When he received such visitors, Shinkan seldom answered their queries.

One day an aspirant of enlightenment who was fifty years of age asked Shinkan : "I have studied the Tendai since I was a little boy. However I fail to understand one concept of it. Tendai claims that even grass and trees will become enlightened. I somehow feel strange regarding this thought"

Shinkan replied, "Of what use is it to talk of how grass and trees become enlightenment? The question is how you, yourself can become enlightenment? Did you ever think of it?

The old man marvelled, "I have never thought that way!"
Shinkan said, "Then go home and think it over!"