Rinzai's Blind Donkey

Banshō's commentary on the case

Rinzai charged Sanshō not to extinguish his treasury of the true Dharma eye. Its function is the same as Xinghua telling Rector Kebin, “Before long you will become a teacher who proclaims the Way,” then penalizing him with a meal and expelling him from the monastery. In fact, this matter is not increased when a thousand buddhas appear in the world and not diminished when a thousand sages enter extinction. How could one Sanshō make it flourish or perish? When the ancients disclosed this matter at death, they also showed that someone was present in the assembly.³ Sure enough, Sanshō stepped forward and said, “How would I dare extinguish your treasury of the true Dharma eye?” Like someone who, unwilling to accept an insult, takes it on his own head, he should at once have been given fodder of the fundamental matter. Before the treasury of the true Dharma eye had even reached extinction, Rinzai instead said, “If someone suddenly asks you about it, how will you answer?” Failing to cut off what should be cut off, he invited disorder. Sanshō immediately shouted. From an earlier generation to a later, he emerged within the gate. Even if ears had been deaf for three days, this was unlike today's shout. Rinzai said, “Who knew that my treasury of the true Dharma eye would be extinguished beside this blind donkey?” At that time Rinzai's house style had its own true command. Regrettably, he let it pass. I do not know how Tendō judges it. At Huangmei it was secretly entrusted, and for twenty years north and south contended. Rinzai transmitted it openly, yet to this day some do not recognize it. Methods of this kind make the Kun transform into the Peng and flatten seas and peaks.⁴ Xiu of Dawei said, “The ancient endured death and waited for someone to come. Why, then, was the treasury of the true Dharma eye extinguished beside the blind donkey? Rinzai executed his plan in haste; Sanshō too was hurried. Through this, father-and-son affection was forgotten, and later people were made to lose hope. If it does not obtain this flowing water, it should pass another mountain.” In the basic record Sanshō immediately bowed—not yet to be regarded as goodhearted. Rinzai then entrusted a verse: Following the current without stopping—ask what it is like; true illumination, boundless, is explained to him. Apart from marks and apart from names, no person receives it; after using the hair-blowing blade, quickly hone it. Having finished the verse, he died sitting erect.⁵ Tendō raises this public case and stops at exactly the right place. Sanshō's bow and Rinzai's verse considerably let the matter pass and lightly relinquish it. Is there anyone who can give the ancient a breath? Dangerous!