Master Wude (947–1024 CE), also known as Master Shan Zhao, was a prominent Chan (Zen) master of the Song Dynasty and a key figure in the Lingji (Rinzai) lineage. Born in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, he became a disciple of Master Shoushan Xingnian and played a crucial role in shaping Chinese Chan Buddhism during the Song era.
A devotee asked Master Wu De: “Why does the same mind have large or small capacity?”
Wu De instructed: “Close your eyes and visualize building a city wall.”
The devotee meditated and envisioned a massive wall.
“The wall is built.”
Wu De said: “Now visualize creating a single strand of hair.”
The devotee focused and formed a tiny hair in his mind.
“The hair is complete.”
Wu De inquired:
“When building the wall, did you use only your mind — or borrow others’ minds?”
“Only my own mind.”
“When creating the hair, did you use your whole mind or just part?”
“My whole mind.”
Wu De revealed:
“For the vast wall, one mind sufficed;
For the minute hair, one mind sufficed.
Thus, your mind expands and contracts freely!”
Philosophical Notes:
Mind Beyond Scale:
The exercise proves: Mind’s essence transcends “large/small” distinctions. Like space holding mountains and dust equally, true mind contains all without expansion or contraction.
Whole Mind in Every Act:
Whether visualizing massive walls or tiny hairs, complete attention is always present. This shatters the illusion that “big tasks require more mind” — awakened awareness is indivisible.
Freedom from Measurement:
Wu De exposed the devotee’s error: Mind isn’t a container with capacity but an unbounded field where galaxies and atoms arise without effort.
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