Realizing the Dao in the present moment

Chan Master Huangbo Xiyun was a highly influential Chinese Chan (Zen) master during the Tang Dynasty, known for his profound teachings and contributions to the development of Chan Buddhism.

Huangbo’s teachings often focused on the concept of “no mind” (wuxin), meaning a state of mind free from attachment, delusion, and discrimination. This teaching encourages practitioners to transcend conceptual thinking and directly perceive reality as it is. Two of Huangbo’s most famous disciples was Baizhang Huaihai and Linji Yixuan.

Linji once visited Master Cuifeng while traveling to Cuifeng Mountain. Upon meeting, Cuifeng asked:
“Where have you come from?”
Linji: “From Master Huangbo.”

Delighted, Cuifeng inquired:
“How does Huangbo teach his students?”
Linji: “Truth transcends words — Huangbo never teaches through speech.”

Cuifeng pressed:
“No words, no teaching — how then do students learn?”
Linji: “He teaches, but not conventionally: a raised eyebrow, a shout, a strike. Yet in essence, not a single word is given.”

Cuifeng: “Can you give an example?”
Linji: “I cannot — it’s like a realm beyond physical steps, an arrow shot through the western heavens.”

Cuifeng: “If steps can’t reach it, the mind can.”
Linji: “To ‘reach’ with the mind is flawy. Where there’s arrival, there’s non-arrival.”

Cuifeng: “If we seal all words and thoughts, how do we see the Dao?”
Linji thundered:
“Realize it in the present moment!”

Cultural & Philosophical Notes

Teaching beyond language:

Huangbo’s raised eyebrows and strikes embody Zen’s core: truth transmitted outside scriptures — not through concepts, but direct mind-contact.

An arrow across the sky

Linji’s metaphor reveals awakening:

Cannot be pursued (“realm beyond steps”)

Leaves no trace (“arrow’s flight”) — no “reaching” or “grasping” possible.

“Right Now”(the present moment) as Eternal Gate:

Linji’s final roar “Realize it right now!” (in the present moment) shatters:

Cuifeng’s intellectual trap (“how?”)

The illusion of progressive cultivation (“mind reaching”).
Enlightenment is always now — before thought arises.