Dear Spark Zen Community,
I hope everyone is doing well today. This post is a Dharma talk that I offered on Friday, August 30th as part of a study week titled “The True Dharma Eye of Women.” The study was co-lead by two of my favorite teachers: Jan Willis and Pamela Weiss. We explored the lives and teachings of female Buddhist ancestors from India, China, Tibet, and Japan.
My talk is my commentary on the koan below, which I read from book The Hidden Lamp by Florence Caplow and Susan Moon. Enjoy! Bowing from the monastery, Rev. Shōren Heather
Before Miaozong became a nun, she used to visit Master Dahui Zonggao’s monastery to study with him, and he gave her a room in the abbot’s quarters. The senior monk, Wanan, did not approve.
Dahui said to him, “Although she’s a woman, she has outstanding merits.”
Wanan still disapproved, so Dahui urged him to have an interview with Miaozong. Wanan reluctantly agreed, and requested an interview.
Miaozong said, “Do you want a Dharma interview or a worldly interview?”
“A Dharma interview,” replied Wanan.
Miaozong said, “Then send your attendants away.” She went into the room first and after a few moments she called, “Please come in.”
When Wanan entered he saw Miaozong lying naked on her back on the bed. He pointed to her genitals, saying, “What is this place?”
Miaozong replied, “All the buddhas and ancestors of the three worlds, the six patriarchs, and all great monks everywhere come out of this place.”
Wanan said, “And may I enter?”
Miaozong replied, “Horses may cross; asses may not.”
Wanan was unable to reply. Miaozong declared: “I have met you, Senior Monk. The interview is over.” She turned her back to him.
Wanan left, ashamed.
Later Dahui said to him, “The old dragon has some wisdom, doesn’t she?”
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