Tao Te Ching
Joshu, Zhàozhōu Cōngshěn 趙州從諗
778 – 897 CE
Joshu, Zhàozhōu Cōngshěn 趙州從諗 (778–897)
Called the greatest Chan master of the Tang dynasty,” Joshu traveled extensively his entire life not slowing down or teaching until he was 80 years old and then for 40 more years. Famous for his incomprehensible behavior and paradoxical teachings, many famous koans come from his realization including many in the Blue Cliff Record and one of the most well known ones that begins The Gateless Gate. His main temple was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution but later rebuilt and now a large center for modern Chinese Buddhism.
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Tang Dynasty 唐朝 (618 – 907 CE)Quotes by Joshu, Zhàozhōu Cōngshěn (4 quotes)
“‘If I haven’t anything in my mind what shall I do?’ Joshu replied: ‘Throw it out.’ ‘But if I haven’t anything, how can I throw it out?’ continued the questioner. ‘Well,’ said Joshu, ‘then carry it out.’”
Chapters:
19. All Methods Become Obstacles
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“If the right man preaches the wrong way, the way will follow the man and become right. If the wrong man preaches the right way, the way will follow the man and become wrong.”
Chapters:
41. Distilled Life
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“A monk asked Joshu, ‘Please guide me with your teachings, master.’ Joshu asked, Have you eaten your porridge?’ and the monk replied, ‘Yes, I have eaten.’ Josh then said, ‘Then go wash your bowl.’”
Chapters:
34. An Unmoored Boat
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“When a monk asked Joshu, ‘Does a dog have Buddha-nature?’ he replied, ‘Bu.’ (不 ‘no thing’ in Chinese)”
Chapters:
27. No Trace
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