“There is One-thing that is pure and sublime from its birthless birth, and as it has neither beginning nor end, there is no way to be named or described.” This is the opening line of ‘The Mirror of Seon’ by the Most Venerable Seosan. He then asks himself, “What is it that is the One-thing called?” and answers his own question quoting a passage from an ancient sage: “There was a circle even before the arrival of Buddha, which not even Sakyamuni could describe. How then was it possible for Mahakasyapa to transmit it?” This is the theme and the essence of the work: finding our true nature and original face, which is without form and indescribable.
22. The Mind Cultivation in the Daily Life
1Eight winds are praise, ridicule, suffering, happiness, benefit, destruction, gain, and loss. One should not be swayed by any of these.
23. Those Who Only Learn Words
28. Enlightenment and Cultivation
30. Secession and Seeking the Mind
2Two Vehicles are the teachings of the Shravaka (It literally means “the sound-hearer”) and Pratyeka-buddha (the solitary-sage vehicle). They are both the followers of Theravada Buddhism.
32. Thought That Doesn’t Follow Causal Conditions
33. Self-nature and External Characteristics
35. Illusory flowers in the sky
36. Nirvana and Sentient Beings
Bodhisattva should never think that there are sentient beings to be saved.
38. The Wrong Method of Cultivation
3Vulture Peak: This is the summit of the mountain where Shakyamuni Buddha gave discourse to a great assembly.
Translator’s Comments: You should take heed because at the last era of the decline of illustrious doctrine, devils will roam around like burning fire to disturb the illustrious dharma.
40. A Fox that Has a Foul Skin Disease
(K=Korean, C=Chinese)
Balgilje (K) 鉢吉帝
Hwadu (K) 話頭
Seon (K) 禪
Weishan (C) 潙山
Yangshan (C) 仰山
