Chan Master Chongxin of Longtan Temple in Lizhou was born to an unnamed pastry vendor in Zhugong. Exceptionally bright as a youth, he encountered Monk Daowu — secretly invited by Lingjian to lead Tianhuang Temple — who then dwelled unrecognized by the public.
Living near the temple, Chongxin daily offered Daowu ten pastries. Daowu ate nine, always returning one:
“This is for you — may it bless your descendants.”
One day Chongxin questioned:
“I bring the pastries. Why gift one back? Is there hidden meaning?”
Daowu replied:
“You gave it; I return it. What’s wrong?”
Profoundly struck, Chongxin requested ordination.
Daowu named him: “You once revered blessings, now trust my words. Henceforth, you are Chongxin.”
Years later as Daowu’s attendant, Chongxin pled:
“Since I came, you’ve never pointed to the heart-essence!”
Daowu responded:
“Every moment I point to it:
When you serve tea — I receive it;
When you offer rice — I accept it;
When you bow — I nod.
Where have I not shown the essence?”
As Chongxin stood speechless, Daowu struck:
“Grasp it now — think, and you miss it!”
Chongxin awakened instantly, then asked: “How to uphold it?”
Daowu’s final teaching flowed:
“Roam free as your nature, respond to conditions unrestrained. Only exhaust this ordinary mind — no ‘profound insight’ exists.”
Philosophical Notes:
The Pastry Dharma
Daowu’s returned pastry was Zen’s first koan: What you give is what you receive — the universe’s perfect reciprocity. Chongxin’s doubt birthed the Great Question.
Essence in the Ordinary
Tea-serving, rice-offering, bowing — Daowu revealed every mundane act embodies Buddha-nature. Chongxin sought “profound teaching” while drowning in truth.
The Trap of Seeking
“Think, and you miss it”: Chongxin’s demand for “heart-essence” blinded him to truth unfolding in real time — awakening arrives when seeking stops.
Upholding by Not-Upholding
Daowu’s “exhaust the ordinary mind” dissolves spiritual striving: Enlightenment isn’t attained — it’s uncovered when we cease manipulating life.
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