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Realize the Way Through Everyday Living

THERE was once a young master by the name of Lung T'an who paid a visit to Ch'an master Tao Wu. "In the place where I come from," he said to Tao Wu, "I never felt that it was you who supposedly formed my aspirations instead of me."

"In the place where you come from," replied the master, "there was not a moment when I didn't form your aspirations."

Disagreeing, Lung T'an showed his displeasure. "What do you mean by that?"

"As things are," argued Tao Wu, "when you send me your tea I receive it; when you bring me your rice I take it from you. Now, when you bow to me I return it with a nod. Say, what is wrong? Dare you say that I don't form your aspirations anywhere you are?"

Lung T'an couldn't find an answer. He bowed his head in thought and was silent for a long time.

"Those who realize completely do not have the slightest doubt whether it is true Enlightenment or not," said Tao Wu.

After hearing this, Lung T'an attained instant realization. He asked the master, "From now on, what should I do in order to keep this state of Enlightenment?"

"It costs nothing to do this," said the master, "just follow your self-nature. When you want to be leisurely and carefree, please, go traveling on the Four Seas like a floating cloud. Adapt yourself to the circumstances and don't worry about aftereffects. In the light of everyday living, clear your mind and never analyze your activities in forms of folly and wisdom. That's all."

Commentary: Seeking the Way, one need not do anything supernatural. The simplest method of entering the Way is to realize it through one's daily life, wearing clothes, eating food, standing, and walking. Hence, one shouldn't be afraid of mortal troubles, because it is said that the Way is not to be found outside the mundane world. The beginning of the Diamond Sutra describes how Buddha put on his robe, carried his bowl, and went on his alms rounds. "He went to the large cities begging for food. Then he came back to his place and ate. Then he put away his robe and bowl and washed his body. If there was shelter for the night he went there to sleep...." This depicts no difference between the ascetic life and the lives of ordinary people. However, the state of mind of an ordinary being is markedly different from the state of mind of an Enlightened being in the pursuit of everyday life. The question for those who are seeking the Way is not "Who are you?" but "How are you to realize this in daily life?"

Actually, people do not need to isolate themselves from the community in order to practice the Way. As it is said in the classic Chung Yung, "The Way is not something that alienates people. The idea of alienation is due to those who isolate themselves from the community for the sake of so-called entering the Path, while in effect getting further and further away from the Truth."