The Core
The Shoyoroku Case 15: Mayu Shakes His Staff is a koan in which Magu Baoche visits Zhangjing Huaiyun and Nanquan Puyuan in turn, shaking his staff to show his pride in "having attained enlightenment." Zhangjing affirms him by saying "Good," while Nanquan denies him by saying "Bad."
Usually, it is taught that "even if you have attained enlightenment, you must not cling to it." However, in this dictionary, we define it as a practical lesson in self-discipline: "Clinging to 'reaching a destination'—such as enlightenment or success—actually becomes a shackle that stops your own growth. True improvement lies in constantly breaking down your own pride and continuously freeing yourself from arrogance."
Q&A
- Q: Why did Nanquan say, “Your action is just moved by the wind”?
- A: Because Mayu's action did not come from his own true heart.
He was only moved by the "wind." Here, the "wind" means the reputation from other people and his own fixed idea that Zen must be a certain way. Nanquan wanted to teach Mayu a lesson. If Mayu depends on his pride which has no substance, his pride will break at the end. It is just like a castle which is built on the sand.
