The Core
Shoyoroku Case 14: An Attendant Serves Tea is a koan in which an attendant tried to "test and mock the master with words." Instead of talking back, Master Deshan stayed silent, wrapped the attendant in his quietness, and overwhelmed him.
Usually, people say that "this koan shows a high-level connection of minds between master and student that goes beyond words." However, in this dictionary, we define it as a practical lesson: "Just walking away in silence is the best response to keep your own control and your true self, without entering the other person's playground."
Q&A
- Q: Why is staying silent without talking back to bad comments not just "running away" or "being irresponsible"?
- A: Because it is a very active choice with a strong will—you remove their unfair rules and choose your own "freedom not to connect."
Staying silent is not a weakness. We do not have to answer every question with words. Leaving them alone can be a great response, showing that "no response is the response." It shows you are not controlled by the other person.
