User:WikiDao/The Gateless Gate/38

38. An Oak Tree in the Garden

A monk asked Joshu why Bodhidharma came to China.

Joshu said: "An oak tree in the garden."


 * Mumon’s comment: If one sees Joshu's answer clearly, there is no Shakyamuni Buddha before him and no future Buddha after him.
 * Words cannot describe everything.
 * The heart's message cannot be delivered in words.
 * If one receives words literally, he will be lost,
 * If he tries to explain with words, he will not attain enlightenment in this life.