The gong’an exercise of Buddha recitation uses the invocation of Amituofo as a huatou. At the very moment the name is uttered, it must be the focal point in respect to which all doubts and delusions are laid aside. At the same time you ask “Who is this person reciting Amitābha’s name?”
Category: koans
A koan is always about something
When the Ancients let down a hook, it was never an empty manoeuvre; they invariably had some truth to benefit people. Commentary on “Ts’ui Yen’s Eyebrows”, Hekiganroku https://terebess.hu/zen/Blue-Cliff.pdf
An inside joke
Once upon a time, Shakyamuni Buddha stood before a large group of people who had gathered at Vulture Peak to hear him teach. But the Buddha remained silent. Instead of saying anything, he only held up a single flower. At this, the Buddha’s disciple Mahakasyapa broke into a smile. When the Buddha saw Mahakasyapa’s smile, […]