Danxia Tianran was a famous Chan master in Tang Dynasty. Once he was traveling with a fellow practitioner. They encountered a muddy path after heavy rain, and the river had risen, making it difficult to pass.
At that moment, they found a stranded woman stood helpless by the riverbank. Without hesitation, Danxia carried her on the back, and helped her safely across the water.
Afterward, they continued their journey. However, the fellow monk could not let go of what had just happened. He believed that as a Buddhist monk, Danxia should have strictly followed the precepts, especially the rule of avoiding physical contact with women.
As night fell and they stopped at an inn, the monk finally voiced his concerns. He said:
“Buddhism emphasizes emptiness (the Four Great Elements are empty) and taking the precepts as one’s teacher. Yet you carried that woman across the river—it is truly shameful and brings disgrace to the Buddhist community.”
Master Danxia simply smiled and replied:
“What? That woman? I already put her down long ago in my mind. Why are you still carrying her in your heart?”
Upon hearing this, the monk was left speechless. He realized that although he recited the sutras, he had not truly understood the essence of the Buddha’s teachings.
Philosophical Notes
Danxia’s action — though seemingly against convention — actually reflected the true Buddhist principles of emptiness (śūnyatā) and non-self (anātman). Danxia had no notion of gender or attachment in his mind, which allowed him to help the woman freely and without hesitation.
This story teaches us that true Buddhist practice is not only about external forms and rules, but more importantly, about inner transformation and awakening. Only when we truly let go of inner attachments and worries can we achieve genuine freedom and liberation.
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