Rinzai Gigen is the father of Rinzai Zen. He was one of the best Zen master ever in the History of Zen. This is a dialogue of Zen master Rinzai & his Disciple. This whole conversation is about the essence of Buddhism & other aspects of Buddhism teaching. This is quite interesting Dialogues between Zen Master Rinzai & his disciple.
A monk asked: “What is the essence of Buddhism?”
The master gave a Katsu.( Rinzai’s famous shout and favorite teaching device)
The monk bowed.
The master said: “This one can hold his own in a debate.”
Another (monk) asked: “Master, from whom is the song you sing? Where does your style come from?”
The master said: “When I was with Obaku,( Obaku, was Rinzai’s teacher.) I questioned him three times, and three times was beaten.”
The monk hesitated.
The master gave a Katsu, then hit him and said: “One cannot drive a nail into empty space.”
There was a scripture master(A theologian) who asked: “Do not the Three Vehicles and the Twelve Divisions of the Teachings (Sravaka or follower of the teachings; Pratyeka who seeks liberation for himself; and Bodhisattva who seeks liberation for all’ This is a theoretical and doctrinal classification, as also is The Twelve Divisions of the Teachings. A good Buddhist dictionary will list these. Of no concern in the text.) bring to light the Buddha Nature?”
The master replied: “Your plot has not yet been hoed.”
The scripture master said: “How could the Buddha deceive people?”
The master said: “Where is he, the Buddha?”
The scripture master was speechless.
The master continued: “Here in front of the Governor you would take the old monk for a ride! Away with you! You prevent others from asking their questions.”
And he added: “It is for the one Great Matter that we hold this session today. Are there any more questioners? Let them step
forward quickly and ask! But, when you as much as open your mouth, you are already off the point. Why is that so? Do you
not know that Buddha said: ‘The Dharma is other than words; it is neither limited nor conditioned’ Because you have no faith in
this, you are entangled and tied into knots. I fear that even the Governor and his staff may get entangled and their Buddha
Nature obscured. I had better retire.”
He then gave a Katsu and said: “You of little faith, you never have rest. I have kept you standing a long time. Take care of
yourselves!”
