Zen Master Lingmo, a prominent Tang Dynasty master, first studied under Mazu Daoyi in Jiangxi without awakening. Later, at Mount Heng, he encountered Master Shitou Xiqian.
Upon meeting Shitou, Lingmo declared:
“If your words resonate, I stay; if not, I depart.”
Shitou remained seated. Lingmo turned to leave.
Suddenly, Shitou called out: “Ling!”.
As Lingmo turned his head, Shitou demanded:
“From birth to death — this is it! Why turn your head?”
In that instant, Lingmo awakened. He snapped his staff and stayed with Shitou.
Philosophical Notes:
The Head-Turn as Gateless Gate
Shitou’s shout “Ling!” and Lingmo’s reflexive turn embodied Zen’s essence: Awakening occurs when conceptual seeking (“stay or go?”) collapses into bare awareness.
Shitou didn’t give Lingmo awakening —
His shout blasted open the door Lingmo was already leaning against.
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