..續本文上一頁in the realm of the ultimate integration of the powers of teacher and student, one goes with the other. (Refer to Chan and Zen Teaching, Second Series, p.127, and to my interpretation of Model Subject No. 73 in the last Wind Bell). In this realm, nothing takes its own form. The absolute negative aspect is the opposite of the first part of this subject where a good teacher gave a good slap to a good monk; and in the second part, an aged U-kyu was slapped by a bad student with a blind staff. But nothing is wrong with these tactful masters. Sometimes positive, sometimes negative, sometimes in order and sometimes reversed, their great activity has no special regulation. When such activity of two masters ceases to be curios, you will get the gist of our traditional way. All the mysterious powers and faculties depend upon this secret.

　　The blind staff in this Model Subject means right Dharma–which can be likened to an invisible wedge for the dualistic world: a wedge which gives rise to good and bad, love and hatred, favorable and adverse: the dualistic confliction of the amicable worldly affairs; and yet which keeps the strict unity of our existence.

　　In the second part of this subject, the situation between the master and the monk changed under the blind staff. The monk seized the staff and struck U-kyu who had offered his own staff to him. Here U-kyu said: “Oh, the blind staff! the blind staff!” The monk said: “Here is someone who was hit by it.” U-kyu said: “This fellow (U-kyu) was hit without reason.” Here we see the blind staff playing the leading part of the role. U-kyu was at one with this monk, and the monk was at one with the blind staff, the symbol of the traditional way. In En-go”s Introductory Word, by the “Treasure Sword” he meant this blind staff. [See Introductory Word to this subject.]

　　The monk immediately made obeisance to U-kyu. U-kyu said: “Well, well! Is that all

　　” The monk went out with roaring laughter. U-kyu concluded the subject saying: “So it is! So it is!” This “So it is” is not simple. Let us see Set-cho”s appreciatory word.

　　Appreciatory Word:

　　It is easy to attract (a serpent by calling with a flute). It is difficult to turn loose. Look carefully at the well-integrated power (of the two). Even though the kalpa-stone is hard, it may be worn away. Even though the ocean is deep it may be dried up. But U-kyu”s way will never cease. Oh aged U-kyu! Aged U-kyu! One after another, how many variations have you in your way; if only you had not given that dipper to the monk. (Set-cho is creating a problem for us students.)

《Model Subject No· 75》全文閱讀結束。