Speak, Speak!

Abstract

When Linji proclaimed this in a talk from the high seat in the Dharma Hall, a monk came forward and asked, “What about this One True Person without Rank?” If the monk had already realized the One True Person when he asked this question, he wouldn’t have been just any ordinary questioner. If it is the True Person who has come forth and asked about the One True Person without Rank, then Linji must have it out with him on equal terms. Though Linji said that it’s “always going in and out of the face of every one of you,” the monk looked outside himself and asked a question; he was already wide of the mark. It is of no avail to seek the True Person outside yourself.

There is One True Person without Rank who is always going in and out of the face of every one of you. Those of you who have not yet realized this, look, look! (p. 3)