The Core
Baizhang talked about cause and effect in a Koan.Usually, people say that this story teaches the law of cause and effect and warns against wrong understanding. However, in this dictionary, we define it as a practical lesson: "Accept the law of cause and effect, and live your life face-to-face with them."
Q&A
- Q: Why did the old man understand the truth when Baizhang said "not to hide or ignore the law"?
- A: "Cause and effect" is a law. It means that reasons and conditions make results. The old man became a fox because he said, "If you practice hard, you can be free from this law." However, this world always follows the rule of cause and effect. It does not matter if you understand Zen or not. The most important thing is not to go over the law, but to face the law.
