The Real Emptiness

The Reading:

Ummon said, "The real Emptiness does not destroy things; the real Emptiness is not different from materiality.

A monk then asked, "What is the sound of the a bell?"

Ummon said, "Do you hear the sound of a bell?"

"That's the sound of a bell," said the monk.

"Even when you have reached the Year of the Donkey, will you still be dreaming?" asked Ummon.

Discussion:

Ah!  The Year of the Donkey!  It's like a birthday that never comes.