Subekaraku ekô henshô no taiho o gakusubeshi,

So cease the intellectual work of studying sayings and chasing words. Learn the backward step of turning light and reflecting. [Nishijima]

Therefore, put aside the intellectual practice of investigating words and chasing phrases, and learn to take the backward step that turns the light and shines it inward. [SZTP]

8th Century Master Shitou Xiqian (Sekito Kisen in Japanese) wrote, “Turn around the light to shine within, then just return.”


Contemporary Ch’an monks meditating at Fayuan Monastery, Beijing, China

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