The Core
Reading: さんしょうきんりん / sanshōkinrin
Shoyoroku Case 33: Sansheng's Golden Fish is a koan in which Sansheng challenges Xuefeng with his high state of enlightenment by asking, "What does a golden fish that passed through the net eat?" while Xuefeng skillfully dodges by stepping back and saying, "As the abbot, I am busy with many duties.". Usually, people say that it is "a dialogue about life and practice after reaching enlightenment." However, in this dictionary, we define it as a practical lesson: "dissecting the self-image of a 'special self' behind high aspirations and pride, and flexibly responding to any situation without being trapped by victory, defeat, or fixed ideas (the wonderful interplay)."
Q&A
- Q: Why did Master Wansong comment, [Without waiting for the fishing line to be cast, it got onto the hook by itself], on Sansheng’s question about “a golden fish that passed through the net”?
- A: Because Sansheng came to test Xuefeng full of confidence, thinking, “I am a fine fish that broke through the net of teachings (an enlightened being).” However, from Wansong’s point of view, “I am enlightened” was already getting himself caught on Xuefeng’s hook.
