Knowing How to Beat the Drum
Ho Shan imparted some words saying:
Cultivating study is called 'learning.' Cutting off study is called 'nearness.' Going beyond these two is to be considered really going beyond."
• A monk came forward and asked, "What is 'really going beyond'?"
Shan said, "Knowing how to beat the drum."
Again he asked, "What is the real truth?"
Shan said, "Knowing how to beat the drum."
Again he asked, "'Mind is Buddha'-l'm not asking about this. What is not mind and not Buddha?"
Shan said, "Knowing how to beat the drum."
Again he asked, "When a transcendent man comes, how do you receive him?"
Shan said, "Knowing how to beat the drum."
dcj commentary: Knowing what a guitar is -- this is not the same as knowing how to play the guitar.