Observations placeholder
Gasan Jōseki - from 101 Zen stones
Identifier
016340
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
Gasan Jōseki (峨山 韶碩 1275–23 November 1366) was a Japanese Soto Zen master. He was a disciple of Keizan Jokin, and his disciples included Bassui Tokushō, Taigen Sōshin, Tsūgen Jakurei, Mutan Sokan, Daisetsu Sōrei, and Jippō Ryōshū
A description of the experience
"Not Far from Buddahood"
A university student while visiting Gasan asked him: 'Have you ever read the Christian Bible?'
'No, read it to me,' said Gasan. The student opened the Bible and read from St Matthew:
'And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They toil not, neither do they spin, and yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ...Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.'
Gasan said: 'Whoever uttered those words I consider an enlightened man.' The student continued reading:
'Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For everyone that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth, and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.'
Gasan remarked: ‘That is excellent. Whoever said that is not far from Buddhahood.'