THE CASE
Goso said, "When you meet a man of the Way on the way, do not greet him with words; do not greet him with silence; tell me, how will you greet him?"
THE COMMENTARY (by Mumon)
If you can answer Goso intimately, you are to be congratulated on your genius; but if you can't, you must endeavor to look at everything you come across.
The Commentary:
Case XXXVI, Goso's No Words Or Silence, Mumonkon, R.H. Blyth
Does Mumon answer Goso? Is Goso proposing a puzzle? When will you know how to answer Goso? What is your answer to Mumon?
In many religions you are encouraged to give an answer that has been prepared, and you are expected to give this answer with heartfelt sincerity. Can you put someone else's words in your mouth and still be yourself? Can you be sincerely yourself when you speak with someone else's tongue?
In Zen, you must only give your own answers. If you cannot answer, then by all means, follow Mumon's exhortation to the letter. It's not Zen, but it's better than being someone besides yourself.
In many religions you are encouraged to give an answer that has been prepared, and you are expected to give this answer with heartfelt sincerity. Can you put someone else's words in your mouth and still be yourself? Can you be sincerely yourself when you speak with someone else's tongue?
In Zen, you must only give your own answers. If you cannot answer, then by all means, follow Mumon's exhortation to the letter. It's not Zen, but it's better than being someone besides yourself.
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