Testing the Mind and Character

[Shi Da Dao]

Appearing to give – but to give nothing. Appearing to take – but to take nothing. This is how a Ch’an Master ‘tests’ the quality of the character of those who gravitate into their orbit of influence. Obviously, those who ask for transmission are certainly not worthy of it – whilst those who are truly ‘indifferent’ (as opposed to ‘acting’) are worthy of a deep and more profound examination. All this means nothing in the long-rum – as we are all responsible for how we choose to manifest in the world. Who am I to pick and choose? Nobody, that is for sure. I am adamant in this ‘nobodyness’ to the point of distraction – and yet ‘nobody; will do. There is nothing to pass on and no one to receive it. In the middle of this reality is exactly where the character is ‘tested’. As ‘nobody’ passes there is nothing to worry about. A straight character moves us on – whilst a ‘crooked’ character (and you know who you are) just brings us round in a pointless circle. Take off the Zen robes and give-up the fantasy of mimicking the East – if this bothers you – then more work needs to be done. No one in Asia dresses up in Christian robes and ‘pretends’ they are qualified to give-out the sacraments!