March 06th, 2020

What is this one thing?

A man of old composed an ode:
Before the ancient Buddhas were born
Everything was one, circular and complete.
Since even Shakyamuni himself did not understand it
How could Mahakasyapa transmit it?
That is why this one thing has never appeared
Nor has it ever disappeared,
And it cannot be named or described.

Sosan (1520-1604)