A seeker sheltering from rain under an eave saw a Zen master passing with an umbrella and called out:
“Master! Ferry all beings to deliverance — take me with you!”
The master replied:
“I am in the rain; you are under the eave — dry. You need no ferrying.”
The seeker stepped into the rain:
“Now I’m in the rain too — will you deliver me?”
The master said:
“We both stand in rain. I stay dry — because I hold an umbrella.
You get wet — because you have none.
So it’s not I who deliver you, but the umbrella that delivers me.
If you wish deliverance, don’t seek me —
Find your own umbrella!”
With that, he walked away.
Philosophical Notes:
Self-Deliverance Over External Salvation:
The umbrella symbolizes self-reliance in spiritual practice. The master rejects dependency, echoing the Diamond Sutra: “The Buddha saves no one — beings save themselves.”
Equality in Conditions, Difference in Preparedness:
Both stand in rain (life’s suffering), but:
Umbrella holder = Wisdom cultivated through practice
Umbrella-less = Ignorance expecting external rescue
“Find Your Own Umbrella” as Ultimate Teaching:
The final command points to Chan’s core: Enlightenment is not transferred — it’s uncovered within, like discovering you’ve always held the umbrella.
Chan Essence:
The master’s departure thunders:
“Don’t beg for shelter —
Realize you’re the one who weaves the umbrella with every mindful breath.”
Leave a Reply