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Jùzhī Yīzhǐ was a 9th-century Chinese Chán, or Zen, master.
Gutei raised his finger whenever he was asked a question about Zen. A boy attendant began to imitate him in this way. When anyone asked the boy what his master had preached about, the boy would raise his finger.
Gutei heard about the boy's mischief. He seized him and cut off his finger. The boy cried and ran away. Gutei called and stopped him. When the boy turned his head to Gutei, Gutei raised up his own finger. In that instant the boy was enlightened.
What exactly was enlightening about the story? I find it vague enough for one to interpret the unclear meaning at will, but still containing dramatic violence as to not be boring to the bored mind. Has enlightenment now become an inapplicable feeling?
Well, the pointing finger is a staple in Eastern teachings. Nothing new about this. This story is simply cruel. Care I do not, how big of a master that guy was, real master will never harm a single living being, least to say - cut a finger off. Might as well go watch horror movies, same "enlightening" scenes non stop.
Then again, it is known that trigger to enlightenment may be caused by anything. Literally, anything. Sound, touch, taste, smell. Gurdjiev attained after a car crash that almost killed him. Some of his students attained after 3 days and night sof non stop harsh physical labor.
Others attained by doing nothing. Sitting under a tree, enjoying nature - and boom, they come back to reality several weeks down the road, attained. Ask Sadhguru.
That A BOY attained after such harsh punishment - I seriously doubt. Boy has no capacity to attain...
Jùzhī Yīzhǐ was a 9th-century Chinese Chán, or Zen, master.
Gutei raised his finger whenever he was asked a question about Zen. A boy attendant began to imitate him in this way. When anyone asked the boy what his master had preached about, the boy would raise his finger.
Gutei heard about the boy's mischief. He seized him and cut off his finger. The boy cried and ran away. Gutei called and stopped him. When the boy turned his head to Gutei, Gutei raised up his own finger. In that instant the boy was enlightened.
People focusing on the cruelty miss the point.
I'm not privy to all the cultural background but it does seem to hinge on the bolded words. The lesson of Zen seems to be delivered through calling his name. Since attachment to name and form is the root of delusion, perhaps this is the Zen lesson in this story.
Master could have called him any time suitable. Unless entire idea was to shock the child mind and call him in that state.
I forgot, who it was. there was an enlightened man, who started his journey by finding a Master of his choice. Then, for very long time, years I believe, he was sitting day and night, by the Master hut door. Mater walked by him daily, paying no attention.
One day, Master laughed, passing that man. That was when man was enlightened.
True Master knows what trigger is and when to use it.
East is full of such stories.
Granpa is full of them too.
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