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洞山過水

Pronunciations

Basic Meaning: Dongshan crosses the water

Senses:

  • This phrase refers to a gong'an 公案 in which Dongshan Liangjie 洞山良价 (807–869) and his younger brother-monk Shenshan Sengmi 神山僧密 (d.u.) are crossing a river together and Dongshan warns Shensha not to miss his footing. Shensha replied that if he were to miss his footing he would not be able to cross the river. Dongshan responded, "How can we avoid a misstep?" Shenshan answered back, "Cross the river with me, elder." This implies that the solution to complications can be found in simple, obvious answers. 〔景德傳燈錄 T 2076.51.323b29〕 [Stefan Grace; source(s): ZGDJT, Yokoi, FGD]
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    [Dictionary References]

    Zengaku daijiten (Komazawa U.) 0921b

    Japanese-English Zen Buddhist Dictionary (Yokoi) 800

    Fo Guang Dictionary 3878

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    Entry created: 2023-11-23