By Jisho (Kenichi) Matsumoto (Translated by Madoka)
Let’s look at the moment of satori, which has remained unchanged from ancient times to the present.
Because “Satori = Truth,” one person’s satori cannot be greater or lesser than another’s.
Satori is when what is real reveals itself as itself—the real thing itself. For this reason, proper Zen teachings always point to the real thing itself.
And how has the real thing itself been pointed out?
Here are some examples:
- The Buddha held up a flower and twirled it.
- Master Gutei showed what is real by holding up one finger in response to any question he was asked.
- Master Gien showed what is real with a clap of his hands.
In the case of Master Jōshū (778–897), a novice monk once went to him and asked how to practice.
Novice:How should I practice?
Jōshū: Have you had your meal?
Novice: Yes.
Jōshū:Then wash your bowl.
With that, Master Jōshū left. The next day at lunch, the novice came to know what true practice is.
There is another exchange with Master Jōshū, known as “Jōshū’s Oak Tree.”
Monk: What is the true meaning of Bodhidharma coming to China from India?
Master Jōshū: The oak tree by the garden.
Monk: I’m not here to ask about such external things.
Jōshū: I’m not answering with anything external.
Monk (asking again): What is the real meaning of Bodhidharma coming to China from India?
Jōshū: The oak tree by the garden.
Master Jōshū is pointing to what is actually real.
Let’s look at the moment of satori of past enlightened masters.
- The Buddha, 6th–5th century BCE: shine
- Master Kyōgen (770–853): clack
- Master Unmon (864–949): pain
- Master Mumon (1183–1260): dong
- Master Dōgen (1200–1253): whack
Recent and Contemporary Masters
- Master Inoue Gien (1894–1981): chirp
- Master Inoue Kando (my teacher; 1944– ): click-clack
- Me (1961– ): tick
In this way, there are records of what it was that made itself clear as the real thing itself.
Satori is not the concept of “emptiness” or “nothingness” that you study through written words.
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