The Dharma Talk to End the Summer Retreat 2009
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The Dharma Talk to End the Summer Retreat 2009
By Jogye Order Supreme Patriarch Most Ven. Beopjeon
A monk approached Seon Master Daesu Beopjin and asked,“It is said the fires at the end of time will rage and everything will collapse. At that time, will‘that thing’ also collapse?”
The master replied,“It will collapse.”
The same monk asked the Seon Master Yongje Sosu the same question,“It is said the fires at the end of time will rage and everything will collapse. At that time, will‘that thing’ also collapse?”
The master replied,“It will not collapse.”
The meaning of the word“collapse” here could not be expressed in writing even if the oceans were filled with ink, and we were to use all of it. If we were to establish the view with words, we will be 10 million miles farther from“that thing.” When the fish swims, the water will turn cloudy. When a bird flies, feathers will fall. To those whose wisdom eye is not open, saying it will collapse will be a hindrance, and saying it will not collapse will also be a hindrance. Even if Master Daesu says it will collapse, there is a way to know. Even if Master Yongje says it will not collapse, there is a way to know. It cannot be known by always being without thoughts. It cannot be known by always trying to know with our thoughts.
If someone were to ask this mountain monk,“It is said the fires at the end of time will rage and everything will collapse. At that time, will‘that thing’ also collapse?”
I would reply,“Forget about collapsing and not collapsing. Do you even know properly what‘that thing’ is?”
One master said‘that thing’ will collapse, while the other said‘that thing’ will not collapse. It is false to say that it will collapse, and it is false to say it will not collapse. Then what is to be said? Always think on this deeply during the off-season as you travel around the countless worlds.
In the remote field, the crane has wings difficult to fly.
The horse will never travel a thousand miles with no reason.
Buddhist Era 2553 (2009)
Last Day of Summer Retreat
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