During the Song Dynasty, the renowned Zen master Dahui had a disciple named Daoqian. Despite years of meditation practice, Daoqian remained unenlightened. One evening, he earnestly confided in his senior brother Zongyuan about his frustration and begged for guidance.
Zongyuan said:
“I’d gladly help, but three things I cannot do for you — you must do them yourself!”
Daoqian asked eagerly: “What three things?”
Zongyuan replied:
“When hungry or thirsty, my food and drink cannot fill your stomach — you must eat and drink yourself.
When you need to relieve yourself, you must do it alone — I cannot assist.
Lastly, no one but you can carry your body on the path.”
Upon hearing this, Daoqian’s mind suddenly opened with joy. He realized the power of self-reliance.
Success begins with voluntary awakening.
Philosophical Notes
The Illusion of External Salvation:
Daoqian’s search for external guidance mirrors the human tendency to seek enlightenment through teachers or rituals. Zongyuan’s refusal to “help” dismantles this dependency, echoing the Zen (Chan) teaching: “If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha.”
The Three Unavoidable Tasks:
Eating, relieving oneself, and walking symbolize the inescapable autonomy of lived experience. No one can breathe, digest, or awaken for another.
Lesson: Enlightenment is not a gift but a self-realization forged through direct engagement with life.
Voluntary Initiative:
Daoqian’s awakening arises when he accepts that effort must be self-willed. As the Buddha taught: “You yourself must strive; the Buddhas only point the way.”
Embodied Practice:
Chan emphasizes physicality as a path to insight (e.g., zazen meditation). By focusing on mundane acts (eating, walking), Zongyuan redirects Daoqian to find the sacred in the ordinary.
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