1 Mountains and Waters Discourse Karl Bielefeldt Mountains and Rivers Sutra Kaz Tanahashi Hobai Pekarik

Mountains and waters right now are the actualization of the ancient Buddha way. Each, These mountains and rivers of the present The mountains and rivers of the present abiding in its phenomenal expression, realizes are the actualization of the word of the ancient moment are the actualization of the teachings completeness. Because mountains and waters Buddhas. Each, abiding in its own dharma of ancient Buddhas. By dwelling together in have been active since before the Empty Eon, state, completely fulfills its virtues. Because their dharma state they are brining about the they are alive at this moment. Because they they are the self before the germination of any merit of thorough investigation. Because they have been the self since before form arose they subtle sign, they are liberated in their are the condition from before the Kalpa of are emancipation realization. actualization. Emptiness, they are the activity of the present Because mountains are high and broad, the Because the virtues of the mountain are high moment; because they are the self before any way of riding the clouds is always reached in and broad, the power to ride the clouds is indications [of difference] arise, they are the mountains; the inconceivable power of always penetrated from the mountains; and the actualized liberation. Due to the fact that the soaring in the wind comes freely from the ability to follow the wind is inevitably liberated various merits of the mountains are so high and 2 mountains. from the mountains. so broad, the power to ride the clouds Priest Daokai of Mt. Furong said to the The Master Ta-Yang Shan-K'ai addressed necessarily spreads [upward] from the assembly, "The green mountains are always the assembly: "The blue mountains are mountains, and the wondrous practice of walking; a stone woman gives birth to a child constantly walking. The stone woman gives following the wind necessarily liberates 3 at night." Mountains do not lack the qualities birth to a child in the night." The mountains [outward] from the mountains. of mountains. Therefore they always abide in lack none of their proper virtues; hence, they Priest Kai of Mount Sanyo said to the ease and always walk. You should examine in are constantly at rest and constantly walking. assembly, “The blue mountain walks detail this quality of the mountains walking. We must devote ourselves to a detailed study constantly; the stone woman gives birth in the Mountains' walking is just like human walking. of this virtue of walking. The walking of the night.” 4 Accordingly, do not doubt mountains' mountains is like that of people: do not doubt The mountains do not lack [any of] the walking even though it does not look the same that the mountains walk simply because they merit that they ought to possess. For this as human walking. The Buddha ancestors' may not appear to walk like humans. These reason, they are constantly dwelling peacefully; words point to walking. This is fundamental words of the Patriarch point out the they are constantly walking. You should understanding. You should penetrate these fundamental meaning of walking, and we directly study the merit of that walking in words. should thoroughly investigate his teaching on minute detail. Because the walking of a "constant walking." mountain must be like the walking of a person, do not doubt that the mountain walks, thinking

1 Mountains and waters are viewed as a sutra, or actual expression of the Buddha's enlightenment. 2 "Riding the clouds" and "following the wind" represent the state of freedom in meditation. ​ 3 Jiatai Record of the Universal Lamps, Chap 3 ​ 4 In the realm of nonduality, mountains and human beings are not separate. ​ that [it is impossible] because it does not look the same as people striding. Because green mountains walk, they are This statement of the Buddha ancestor 5 permanent. Although they walk more swiftly Because the blue mountains are walking, they already points to walking. This is his than the wind, someone in the mountains does are constant. Their walk is swifter than the attainment of the fundamental. You should not realize or understand it. "In the mountains" wind; yet those in the mountains do not sense investigate this “constantly walking” address to means the blossoming of the entire world. this, do not know it. To be "in the mountains" the assembly. People outside the mountains do not realize or is a flower opening " within the world." Those Because it is walking, it is constant. Although understand the mountains walking. Those outside the mountains do not sense this, do not it is clear that the blue mountain’s walking is without eyes to see mountains cannot realize, know it. Those without eyes to see the “faster than the wind,” people in the mountains understand, see, or hear this as it is. If you mountains do not sense, do not know, do not are not aware of it and do not know it – being doubt mountains' walking, you do not know see, do not hear this truth. “in the mountains” means the opening of a your own walking; it is not that you do not Those who doubt that the mountains walk flower within the world. People outside the walk, but that you do not know or understand do not yet understand their own walking. It is mountains are not aware and do not know – it your own walking. Since you do not know your not that they do not walk, but that they do not is this principle: people without eyes to see the walking, you should fully know the green yet understand, have not made clear, their mountains are not aware and do not know, do mountains' walking. Green mountains are walking. Those who would understand their not see and do not hear. Those who doubt that neither sentient nor insentient. You are neither own walking must also understand the walking mountains walk also do not yet know the 6 sentient nor insentient. At this moment, you of the blue mountains. The blue mountains are walking of the self. It is not that the self is cannot doubt the green mountains' walking. neither sentient nor insentient; the self is without walking. The walking of the self is not You should study the green mountains, neither sentient nor insentient. Therefore, we yet known. They have not clarified it. And in using numerous worlds as your standard. You can have no doubts about these blue mountains the same way that they want to know the self should clearly examine the green mountains' walking. walking, they must also directly know the blue walking and your own walking. You should We do not realize that we must clarify the mountain walking. also examine walking backward and backward blue mountains on the basis of innumerable The blue mountain definitely is not sentient, walking and investigate the fact that walking dharma realms. We must carefully investigate and is not insentient. The self definitely is not forward and backward has never stopped since the walking of the blue mountains, the walking sentient, and is not insentient. It is impossible the very moment before form arose, since the of the self. And this investigation sjould to doubt the walking of this blue mountain. We time of the King of the Empty Eon. include walking backward as well as backward do not know how many dharma worlds would Green mountains master walking and walking. We should carefully investigate the be sufficient to clarify the blue mountain. You 7 eastern mountains master traveling on water. fact that since that very time before any subtle should consider clearly the walking of the blue Accordingly, these activities are a mountain's sign, since the age of the King of Emptiness, mountain, and the walking of the self. practice. Keep its own form, without changing walking both forward and backward has never Backwards stepping and stepping backwards stopped even for a moment. If walking had should be considered together.

5 In the realm of wholeness, one's experience goes beyond the limited span of time. ​ 6 Here again the experience in meditation of the wholeness of mountains and human beings is indicated. ​ 7 From a nondualistic viewpoint, mountains have inconceivable function beyond stillness and motion. ​ body and mind, a mountain always practices in ever rested, the Buddhas and Ancestors would You should consider that since that very time every place. never have appeared; if walking were limited, before there were any indications [of the Buddha dharma would never have reached differences], around [the time of] the King of the present. Walking forward has never ceased; Emptiness, walking forward and backward has walking backward has never ceased. walking not stopped for a moment. If walking had forward does not oppose walking backward, paused, Buddhas and ancestors would not have nor does walking backward oppose walking appeared. If walking had reached its limit, the forward. This virtue is called "the mountains Buddha Dharma would not have reached this flowing, the flowing mountain." day. Forward stepping has not yet stopped; The blue mountains devote themselves to backward stepping has not yet stopped. When Don't slander by saying that a green mountain the investigation of walking; the East Mountain the stepping is forward, it does not oppose cannot walk and an eastern mountains cannot devotes itself to the study of "moving over backward stepping; when the stepping is travel on water. When your understanding is water." Hence, this study is the mountains' own backward, it does not oppose forward stepping. shallow, you doubt the phrase, "Green study. The mountains, unchanged in body and We take this merit as the mountain flowing; we mountains are walking." When your learning is mind, maintaining their own mountain take it as the flowing mountain. immature, you are shocked by the words countenance, have always been traveling about The blue mountain also investigates walking "flowing mountains." Without full studying thesemlves. and the east mountain also studies moving over understanding even the words "flowing water," Do not slight mountains by saying that the blue water. Therefore, this study is the mountains’ you drown in small views and narrow mountains cannot walk, nor the East Mountain study. Without changing its body or mind, the understanding. Yet the characteristics of move over the water. Hence, this study is the mountain, with the face of a mountain, has 8 mountains manifest their form and life-force. mountains' own study. The mountains, come to be studying the road home. There is walking, there is flowing, and there is unchanged in body and mind, maintaining their Do not insult the mountains by saying that the a moment when a mountain gives birth to a own mountain countenance, have always been blue mountain cannot walk and that the east mountains child. Because mountains are traveling about studying themselves. Do not mountain cannot move over water. Because the Buddha ancestors, Buddha ancestors appear in slight mountains by saying that the blue viewpoints of the lowly are crude, they wonder 9 this way. Even if you see mountains as grass, mountains cannot walk, nor the East Mountain at the phrase “the blue mountain walks.” Due trees, earth, rocks, or walls, do not take this move over the water. It is because of the to the inferiority of those who have heard little, seriously or worry about it; it is not complete impoverishment of the common people's they are surprised by the phrase, “flowing realization. Even if there is a moment when point-of-view that they doubt the statement, mountains.” Although we can say that they do you view mountains as the seven treasures "the blue mountains walk;" it is because of the not even fully understand these [two] words shining, this is not the true source. Even if you shallowness of their limited experience that “flowing water,” they are simply drowning in understand mountains as the realm where all they are surprised by the words, "flowing small seeing and small hearing. Buddhas practice, this understanding is not mountain." Without having fully understood That being the case, we take as form and something to be attached to. Even if you have even the words, "flowing water," they simply name the offering of the many merits [of the the highest understanding of mountains as all remain sunk in their ordinary perception. mountains], and we take that as their essence.

8 Form: gyomo, literally forms and names. ​ 9 Because the enlightenment is manifested in mountains, Buddha ancestors appear. ​ Buddhas' inconceivable qualities, the truth is Thus, the accumulated virtues of the Walking exists; flowing exists. There is a time not only this. These are conditioned views. mountain represent its name and form, its very when the mountain gives birth to a mountain This is not the understanding of the Buddha lifeblood. There is a mountain walk and a child, and due to the principle that mountains ancestors, but just looking through a bamboo mountain flow, and there is a time when the become Buddhas and ancestors, Buddhas and tube at the corner of the sky. Turning an object mountain gives birth to a mountain child. The ancestors have appeared like this. 10 and turning the mind is rejected by the great mountains become the Buddhas and Ancestors, Even when one possesses eyes that make sage. Explaining the mind and explaining true and it is for this reason that the Buddhas and visible the grasses, trees, earth, rocks, fences 11 nature is not agreeable to Buddha ancestors. Ancestors have thus appeared. and walls, it is not doubting; it is not being 12 Seeing into mind and seeing into true nature Even when we have the eyes to see moved; and it is not complete actualization. is the activity of people outside the way. Set mountains as the appearance of grass and trees, Even if one actualizes an occasion on which words and phrases are not the words of earth and stone, fences and walls, this is one is shown them “bedecked with the seven liberation. There is something free from all of nothing to doubt, nothing to be moved by: it is jewels,” this is not the real returning. Even if these understandings: "Green mountains are not the complete actualization of the there is the actualization of seeing them as the always walking," and "Eastern mountains mountains. Even when there occurs a time in realm in which all Buddhas practice the Way, it travel on water." You should study this in which the mountains are perceived as the is not necessarily a place one loves. Even if one detail. splendor of the seven treasures, this is still not is able to receive the ultimate visual the real refuge. Even when the mountains actualization of them as the wondrous merits of appear as the realm of the practice of the all Buddhas, that is not all that their reality is. ` Buddhas, this is not necessarily something to Each appearance is the individual body and its be desired. Even when we attain the supreme particular world, and these are not to be taken vision of the mountains as the actualization of as the activity of the Way of the Buddhas and the inconceivable virtue of the Buddhas, this is ancestors. They are partial, narrow views. not yet the complete reality. Each of these The Great Sage [Buddha] criticized “turning appearances is the particular objective and circumstances and turning the mind.” The "A stone woman gives birth to a child at night" subjective reward of past karma. They are not Buddha ancestors did not agree with means that the moment when a barren woman the karma of the way of the Buddhas and “preaching one’s mind and preaching one’s gives birth to a child is called "night." There Ancestors, but narrow, one-sided views. nature.” “Seeing the mind and seeing one’s are male stones, female stones, and nonmale, Turning the object and turning the mind is nature” is the daily activity of non-Buddhists. 13 nonfemale stones. They are placed in the sky criticized by the Great Sage; explaining the “Tying together words and tying together and in the earth and are called heavenly stones mind and explaining the nature is not affirmed phrases” is not liberated speaking. There exists and earthly stones. These are explained in the by the Buddhas and Ancestors; seeing the mind that which has penetrated and stripped away ordinary world, but not many people actually and seeing the nature is the business of realms such as these. It is these statements:

10 This expression usually means to be free from bondage of object and mind, but in this case the duality of object and mind where one is not completely free is suggested. 11 This means explaining mind and true nature separately. In other cases Dogen uses this phrase in the sense that explaining mind is itself an expression of Buddha nature. ​ 12 The ultimate understanding of a Buddha mind (kenshin) and that of Buddha nature (kensho). But in this case Dogen criticizes viewing a Buddha mind or Buddha nature as fixed ​ or substantial. 13 In China there are legends in which men became stones and stones became women (Record of Extraordinary Stories). ​ know about it. You should understand the non-Buddhists: sticking to words and sticking “The blue mountain walks constantly,” and meaning of giving birth to a child. At the to phrases is not the speech of liberation. There “The east mountain moves over water.” You moment of giving birth to a child, is the mother is speech which is free from such realms; it is should investigate them in minute detail. separate from the child? You should study not "the blue mountains constantly walking," "the only that you become a mother when your East Mountain moving over the water." We child is born, but also that you become a child. should give this detailed investigation. 14 This is the actualization of giving birth in "The stone woman gives birth to a child in the practice- realization. You should study and night." This means that the time when the investigate this thoroughly. "stone woman gives birth to a child" is the Great Master Kuangzhen of Yunmen said, "night." Among stones there are male stones, “The stone woman gives birth to a child in the 15 "Eastern mountains travel on water." The female stones, and stone neither male nor night” means that the time when the stone reason these words were brought forth is that female. These stones gives support to heaven woman gives birth to her child is at night. In all mountains are eastern mountains, and all and to earth. There are heavenly stones and general, there are male stones and female eastern mountains travel on water. Because of earthly stones. Although this is said in the stones, and there are stones that are neither this, Nine Mountains, Mt. Sumeru, and other secular world, it is rarely understood. We male nor female. They frequently assist heaven mountains appear and have practice realization. should understand the true nature of this and assist earth. There are heaven stones and These are called "eastern mountains." But "birth." At the time of birth are both parent and earth stones. Although this is something that is could Yunmen penetrate the skin, flesh, bones, child transformed? We must study and fully commonly spoken about, it is something that and marrow of the eastern mountains and their understand, not only that birth is actualized in people rarely know. You should know the vital practice-realization? the child becoming the parent, but also that the Buddhist principle of “giving birth to a child.” Now in Great Song China there are careless practice and verification of the phenomenon of When giving birth to a child, do parent and fellows who form groups; they cannot be set birth occurs when the parent becomes the child. child both change? Could it just be a matter of straight by the few true masters. They say that studying how the child becoming the parent is the statement, "The eastern mountains travel on “the actualization of giving birth to a child?” water," or Nanquan's story of a sickle, is You should study and thoroughly investigate illogical; what they mean is that any words how when the parent becomes the child, this is having to do with logical thought are not the practice and enlightenment through the Buddha ancestors' Zen stories, and that only “actualization of giving birth to a child.” illogical stories are Buddha ancestors' Great Master Unmon Kyoshin said, “East expressions. In this way they consider Mountain moves over water.” The actualized Huangbo's staff and Linji's shout as being main point of these words is that all mountains beyond logic and unconcerned with thought; are East Mountain, and all of East Mountain they regard these as great enlightenments that moves over water. For this reason, it is the precede the arising of form. "Ancient masters actualizing of the nine mountains of Mount Sumeru, it is their practicing and realizing. We

14 The teacher and his disciple are one upon transmitting Dharma. ​ 15 Extensive Record of Yunmen, Zen Master Kangzhen, chap. 1 ​ used expedient phrases, which are beyond call this “East Mountain.” However, how did understanding, to slash entangled vines.": Unmon penetrate and strip away the skin, flesh, bones and marrow of East Mountain, in a way of life of practice and realization? Today in Sung China there is a type of unlearned person that has become so numerous People who say this have never seen a true that the few real [students] are unable to master and they have no eye of understanding. oppose them. They say, “Stories like this ‘East They are immature, foolish fellows not even Mountain moves over water’ and Nansen’s worth discussing. In China these last two or sickle, are not rationally comprehensible.” three hundred years, there have been many What they mean is that any verbal story that is groups of bald-headed rascals. What a pity! connected to thoughts is not a Zen story of the The great road of Buddha ancestors is Buddhas and ancestors. [They think that only] crumbling. People who hold this view are not the stories that are not rationally even as good as listeners of the Small Vehicles comprehensible are the verbal stories of the and are more foolish than those outside the Buddhas and ancestors. For this reason, they way. They are neither lay people nor monks, take Obaku’s staff and Rinzai’s shout -- since neither human nor heavenly beings. They are they are hard to understand rationally and are more stupid than animals who learn the unconnected to thought -- as the great Buddha way. The illogical stories mentioned enlightenment that precedes the emergence of by you bald-headed fellows are only illogical subtle signs. [They say that] the reason why the for you, not for Buddha ancestors. Even though expedient means of the ancestors of old you do not understand, you should not neglect frequently made use of “phrases that cut studying the Buddha ancestors' path of entanglements” is that they are not rationally understanding. Even if it is beyond comprehensible. understanding in the end, your present understanding is off the mark. I have Those who talk like this have not yet seen personally seen and heard many people like an authentic teacher and do not possess the eye this in Song China. How sad that they do not Water is neither strong nor weak, neither wet of practice and study. They are unspeakably know about the phrases of logical thought, or nor dry, neither moving nor still, neither cold childish. Over the last two or three hundred penetrating logical thought in the phrases and nor hot, neither being nor nonbeing, neither years in China these sorts of demonic, stories! When I laughed at them in China, they delusion nor enlightenment. Solidified, it is disruptive, shaven-headed children have been had no response and remained silent. Their idea harder than diamond: who could break it? numerous. What a pity that the Great Way of about illogical words is only a distorted view. Melted, it is softer than milk: who could break the Buddhas and ancestors is so diseased. Their Even if there is no teacher to show you the it? This being the case, we cannot doubt the understanding is no better than that of the original truth, your belief in spontaneous many virtues realized by water. We should, sravakas of the lesser vehicle, and is more enlightenment is heretical. then, study that occasion when the water of the foolish than that of non-Buddhists. They are ten directions is seen in the ten directions. This neither lay people nor monks, neither human is not a study only of the time when peoples or nor heavenly beings. They are more foolish devas see water: there is a study of water than animals that study the Buddha Way. The ​ You should know that "eastern mountains seeing water. Water practices and verifies stories that those shaved-headed children call traveling on water" is the bones and marrow of water; hence there is a study of water speaking “not rationally comprehensible” are “not the Buddha ancestors. All waters appear at the water. We must bring to realization the path on rationally comprehensible” to you alone, and foot of the eastern mountains. Accordingly, all which the self encounters the self. We must this has nothing to do with the Buddhas and mountains ride on clouds and walk in the sky. move back and forth along, and spring off ancestors. You should not fail to study the Above all waters are all mountains. Walking from, the vital path on which the other studies rationally comprehensible path of the Buddhas beyond and walking within are both done on and fully comprehends the other. and ancestors, just because you think that it is water. All mountains walk with their toes on all not “rationally comprehensible” to you. waters and splash there. Thus in walking there Even if, in the end, it is not rationally are seven paths vertical and eight paths In general, then, the way of seeing mountains comprehensible, the rational comprehension horizontal. This is practice-realization. and rivers differs according to the type of being that you now articulate also misses it. Types Water is neither strong nor weak, neither that sees them. There are beings who see what like that are numerous throughout the Sung wet nor dry, neither moving no still, neither we call water as a jeweled necklace. This does Empire. I have seen and heard them myself. cold nor hot, neither existent nor non-existent, not mean, however, that they see a jeweled What a pity that they do not know that thoughts neither deluded nor enlightened. When water necklace as water. How, then, do we see what are words and phrases, and that they do not solidifies, it is harder than a diamond. Who can they consider water? Their jeweled necklace is know that words and phrases penetrate and crack it? When water melts, it is gentler than what we see as water. Or, again, they see water strip away thoughts. When I was in Sung milk. Who can destroy it? Do not doubt that as miraculous flowers, thought it does not [China], I laughed at them, and they were silent these are the characteristics water manifests. follow that they use flowers as water. Hungry -- they had nothing to say. It was just that You should reflect on the moment when you ghosts see water as raging flames or as pus and mistake of “not rationally comprehensible.” see the water of the ten directions as the water blood. Dragons and fish see it as a palace or Who taught you [this]? Although we can say of the ten directions. This is not just studying tower, or as the seven treasures or as the mani that you were without natural teachers, you ​ the moment when human and heavenly beings gem. Others see water as wood and walls, or as were non- Buddhist infants by nature. see water; this is studying the moment when the dharma nature of immaculate liberation, or You should know this: this “East Mountain water sees water. This is a complete as the true human body, or as the physical form moves over water” is the bones and marrow of understanding. You should go forward and and mental nature. Humans see these as water. the Buddhas and ancestors. All water is backward and leap beyond the vital path where And these different ways of seeing are the actualized at the foot of East Mountain. For other fathoms other. conditions under which water is killed or given this reason, all mountains ride the clouds and life. walk through the heavens. All mountains are Thsu, what different types of beings see is the very top of all waters, and striding upwards different; and we should reflect on this fact. Is or downwards they are together over the water. it that there are various ways of seeing one The toe tips of all mountains frequently stride object? Or is it that we have mistaken various through all waters and because they cause all All beings do not see mountains and waters in images for one object? we should concentrate waters to shoot out, their walking is seven 16 the same way. Some beings see water as a every effort on understanding this question, vertically and eight horizontally, and they are jeweled ornament, but they do not regard and then concentrate still more. given this “not without practice and realization.” jeweled ornaments as water. What in the multitude of perspectives, it follow that the Water is something that is neither strong nor human realm corresponds to their water? We training on the way of practice and verification weak, neither wet nor dry, neither active nor only see their jeweled ornaments as water. must also not be merely of one or two kinds, quiescent, neither cold nor warm, neither Some beings see water as wondrous blossoms, and the ultimate realm must also have a existing nor not existing, neither deluded nor but they do not use blossoms as water. Hungry thousand types and ten thousand kinds. enlightened. When it freezes, it is harder than ghosts see water as raging fire or pus and If we reflect on the real import of this, diamond. Who could break it? When it melts, it blood. Dragons see water as a palace or a although we say there are many types of water, is softer than milk. Who could break it? pavilion. Some beings see water as the seven it would seem there is no original water, no Therefore, at once, it is impossible to wonder at treasures or a wish-granting jewel. Some water of various types. Nevertheless, the waters the merits of its actualized existence. beings see water as a forest or a wall. Some see which vary in accordance with the different You should take some time to study the it as the Dharma nature of pure liberation, the types of beings do not depend on body or occasion when you should look carefully in the true human body, or as the form of body and mind; they do not arise from karma; they are ten directions at the water of the ten directions. essence of mind. Human beings see water as not dependent on the self or the other: This is not just studying at a time when one water. Water is seen as dead or alive depending dependent on water, water is liberated. sees human or heavenly water; it is studying on causes and conditions. Thus the views of all Therefore, water is not earth, water, fire, when water sees water, because it is water beings are not the same. You should question wind, space, or consciousness; it is not blue, practicing and realizing water. There exists the this matter now. Are there many ways to see yellow, red, white, or black; it is not form, investigation of water speaking about water, one thing, or is it a mistake to see many forms sound, smell, taste, touch or idea: nevertheless, and you should bring about the actualization of as one thing? You should pursue this beyond the water of earth, water, fire, wind, space, and the path on which the self meets the self. You the limit of pursuit. Accordingly, endeavors in the rest is spontaneously appearing. This being should move forward and backwards along the practice- realization of the way are not limited the case, it becomes difficult to explain by active path on which the other pierces the to one or two kinds. The ultimate realm has one what and of what this present land and palace other, and you should leap clear. thousand kinds and ten thousand ways. When are made. To say that they rest on the wheel of we think about the meaning of this, it seems space and the wheel of wind is true neither for In general, there are differences in seeing that there is water for various beings but there oneself nor for others; it is just speculating on mountains and water, depending on the type [of is no original water-there is no water common the basis of the suppositions of the small being]. There are those that see what we call to all types of beings. But water for these understanding, and is only said out of fear that “water” as a jeweled necklace. However, they various kinds of beings does not depend on without such a resting place, things would not do not see a jeweled necklace as water. A form mind or body, does not arise from actions, does abide. that we see as something else, they would see not depend on self or other. Water's freedom as water. What they see as a jeweled necklace, depends only on water. Therefore, water is not The Buddha has said, "All dharmas are we see as water. There are those that see water just earth, water, fire, wind, space, or ultimately liberated; they have no abode." We as wondrous flowers. However, they don’t use consciousness. Water is not blue, yellow, red, should realize that although they are liberated, flowers as if they were water. Demons see white, or black. Water is not forms, sounds, without any bonds, all dharmas are abiding in water as fierce fire; they see it as pus and

16 Four views on water. ​ smells, tastes, touchables, or mind-objects. But their own state. However, when human beings blood. Dragons and fish see it as palaces; they water as earth, water, fire, wind, and space look at water, they see it only as flowing see it as towers. Or they see it as the realizes itself. For this reason, it is difficult to without rest. This "flow" takes many forms, seven-treasure wish-fulfilling gem, or they see say who is creating this land and palace right and our way of seeing is just a one-side human it as a forest barrier, or they see it as the now or how such things are being created. To view. Water flows over the earth; it flows Dharma nature of pure liberation and stripping- say that the world is resting on the wheel of across the sky; it flows up; it flows down. away, or they see it as true human form. Or space or on the wheel of wind is not the truth Water flows around bends and into deep they see it as the features of the body and the of the self or the truth of others. Such a abysses. It mounts up to form clouds; it mind. statement is based only on a small view. People descends to form pools. The fact that human beings see this as water speak this way because they think that it must The Wen-tzu says, "The tao of water, is a cause and condition of life and death. ​ ​ be impossible to exist without having a place ascending to heaven becomes rain and dew, Depending on the type [of being], what is seen on which to rest. descending to earth becomes rivers and is different, and we should take a moment to streams." Such is said even in the secular question this. Is it that all views vary when world. It would be shameful indeed if those looking at one thing? Is it that we are who call themselves descendants of the mistakenly and confusedly taking all images as Buddhas and Ancestors had less understanding one thing? On top of your effort [regarding this than the ordinary person. This passage says question] you should make still more effort. that, although the way of water is unknown to Since this is the case, at once, practice, water, water actually functions was water; and enlightenment, and following the Way also although the way of water is not unknown to cannot be of one or two kinds, and the realm of water, water actually functions as water. ultimate reality also has a thousand types and Buddha said, "All things are ultimately "Ascending to heaven, it becomes rain and ten thousand kinds. Moreover, as you keep the 17 liberated. There is nowhere that they abide." dew." We should realize that water climbs to point of this teaching in mind – although we You should know that even though all things the very highest heavens, and becomes rian and say that all the types of water are numerous, it are liberated and not tied to anything, they dew. And this rain and dew is of various kinds is as if a fundamental water did not exist; it is abide in their own phenomenal expression. ina ccordance with the various worlds. To say as if all the types of water did not exist. However, when most human beings see water that there are places to which water does not However, all the waters, according to their they only see that it flows unceasingly. This is reach is the doctrine of the Hinayana sravaka, types, do not depend on mind, do not depend ​ ​ a limited human view; there are actually many or the false doctrine of the non-Buddhist. on body, are not born from karma, are not kinds of flowing. Water flows on the earth, in Water extends into flames; it extends into dependent on self, are not dependent on other, the sky, upward, and downward. It can flow thought, reasoning, and discrimination; it and there exists penetration and dropping away around a single curve or into bottomless extends into enlightenement and the Buddha that is dependent on water. abysses. When it rises it becomes clouds. nature. Since it is like this, water is not When it descends it forms abysses. earth-water-fire-wind-space-consciousness, Wenzi said, "The path of water is such that etc.; it is not green-yellow- red-white-black,

17 Great Treasure Heap Sutra, chap. 87 ​ when it rises to the sky, it becomes raindrops; etc.; it is not 18 when it falls to the ground, it becomes rivers." color-sound-smell-taste-touch-phenomena, etc. Even a secular person can speak this way. You "Descending to earth, it becomes rivers and However, the water of earth- who call yourselves descendants of Buddha streams." We should realize that when water water-fire-wind-space, etc. is actualizing ancestors should feel ashamed of being more descends to earth, it becomes rivers and spontaneously. For this reason, it is very hard ignorant than an ordinary person. The path of streams. And the essence of rivers and streams to speak about the nation and palaces of the water is not noticed by becomes sages. The foolish common people present moment while clarifying what can be water, but is realized by water. It is not think that water is always in rivers, streams, made or has been made. The statement that unnoticed by water, but is realized by water. and seas, but this is not so: water makes rivers [water] is connected to the ring of space and "When it rises to the sky, it becomes single and seas within water. Therefore, water is in the ring of wind [surrounding Mt. Sumeru] is raindrops" means that water rises to the places that are not rivers and seas; it is jsut that not my truth, and is not the truth of others. This heavens and skies everywhere and forms when water descends to earth, it acts as rivers is [just] parroting the measure of narrow views. raindrops. Raindrops vary according to the and seas. Such a statement derives from the thinking that different worlds. To say that there are places Moreover, we should not think that when [things] cannot dwell without a place of water does not reach is the teaching of the water has become rivers and seas, there is then connection. listeners of the Small Vehicle or the mistaken no world and no Buddha land within water: teaching of people outside the way. Water even within a single drop of water incalculable The Buddha said, “All phenomena ultimately exists inside fire and inside mind, thought, and Buddha realms are actualizated. Cosnequently, are completely liberated, without having [any] ideas. Water also exists within the wisdom of it is not that water exists within the Buddha abode.” realizing Buddha nature. land, nor that the Buddha land exists within You should know this – although we say water: the existence of water has nothign that by being liberated they are without whatever to do with the three times or the constraints, all phenomena are dwelling in their dharma realm. And yet, water is the koan of the [dharma] positions. However, when human actualization of water. beings see water, there is only the view that Wherever the Buddhas and ancestors are, flowing does not stop. There are many kinds of water is always there; wherever water is, the that flowing, and this one is the narrow human Buddhas and Ancestors always appear. view. It flows through the so-called earth; it "When it falls to the ground, it becomes river" Therefore, the Buddhas and Ancestors have flows through the sky; it flows up; it flows means that when water reaches the ground it always taken up water as their own body and down. It flows in curves, and it flows in nine turns into rivers. The essence of rivers becomes mind, their own thinking. pools. Rising, it forms clouds and descending, wise people. Now ordinary fools and mediocre it forms pools. people think that water is always in rivers or The Monshi says, “The tao of water rising oceans, but this not so. Rivers and oceans exist In this way, the idea that water does not climb to the heavens forms rain and dew, and in water. Accordingly, even where there is not up is to be found neither in Buddhist nor descending to earth forms bays and rivers.” a river or an ocean, there is water. It is just that non-Buddhist writings. The way of water Lay people today still speak like this. How when water falls down to the ground, it penetrates everywhere, above and below, very shameful it is when those who call

18 Suvarna Prabhasottama Sutra, cha. 1. ​ manifests the characteristics of rivers and vertically and horizontally. Still, in the sutras it themselves descendants of the Buddhas and oceans. Also do not think that where water is said that fire and wind go up, while earth and ancestors are even more in the dark than the forms rivers or oceans there is no world and water go down. But this "up and down" bears laity. It says that the tao of water is not its there is no Buddha land. Even in a drop of some study – the study of the up and down of recognition [of itself] as water, but water’s water innumerable Buddha lands appear. the way of the Buddha. In Buddhism, where well-manifested movement. Nor is it water’s Therefore it is not a question of whether there earth and water go is considered "down;" but non-recognition [of itself] as water, but water’s is only water in the Buddha land or a Buddha "down" does not mean some place to which well-manifested movement. land in the water. The existence of water is not earth and water go. Where fire and wind go is It says, “rising to the heavens [it] forms rain concerned with past, future, present, or the "up." While the dharma realm has no necessary and dew.” You should know this – No matter phenomenal world. Yet water is actualization connection with up and down and the four through how many heavens upwards it rises, it of the fundamental point. Where Buddha directions simply on the basis of the function of forms rain and dew. The rain and dew differs in ancestors reach, water never fails to appear. the four, five, or six elements, we provisionally accordance with the world. To say that there is Because of this, Buddha ancestors always take set up a dharma realm with directions. It is not a place where the water does not reach is the up water and make it their body and mind, that asamjnika heaven is above and the avici teaching of the hinayana sravakas or the false ​ ​ ​ make it their thought. hell below: avici is the entire dharma realm; teachings of non-Buddhists. Water is ​ ​ asamjnika is the entire dharma realm. something that reaches into the midst of ​ Nevertheless, when dragons and fish see flames, and that reaches into the midst of the water as a palace, just as when humans see mind’s thinking and discrimination, and that palaces, they do not view it as flowing. And if reaches into the midst of awareness and some onlooker were to explain to them that Buddha nature. In this way, the words "Water does not rise" their palace was flowing water, they would are not found in scriptures inside or outside of surely be just as amazed as we ar enow to hear “Descending to the earth [it] forms bays and Buddhism. The path of water runs upward and it sad that mountains flow. Still, there would rivers.” You should know this – When water downward and in all directions. However, one undoubtedly be some dragons and fish who descends to earth, it forms bays and rivers. The Buddhist sutra does say, "Fire and air go would accept such an explanation of the spirits of bays and rivers frequently become 19 upward, earth and water go downward." This railings, stairs, and columns of palaces and wise persons. Now ordinary fools and common "upward" and "downward" require pavilions. We should calmly consider over and types think that water necessarily is bays, examination. You should examine them from over the reason for this. If our study is not rivers, seas and streams. That’s what they the Buddhist point of view. Although you use liberated from these confines, we have not think. This is not so. Water has formed bays the word "downward" to describe the direction freed ourselves from the body and mind of the and seas within water. Therefore water exists in of earth and water, earth and water do not common people; we have not fully places that are not bays or seas, and when actually go downward. In the same way, the comprehended the land of the Buddhas and water descends to earth, it is only taking the direction fire and air go is called "upward." The Ancestors; we have not fully comprehended the function of bays and seas. Phenomenal world does not actually exist in land of the common people; we have not fully Further, you should not study with the terms of up, down, or the cardinal directions. It comprehended the palace of the common thought that because this is a place where water is tentatively designated according to the people. has formed bays and seas, worlds cannot exist

19 In the inner chamber of Buddha ancestors there is no self and others. ​ directions in which the four great elements, Although human beings have udnerstood and Buddha lands cannot exist [there]. Even in five great elements, or six great elements go. what is in seas and rivers as water, just what a single drop unlimited Buddha nations are The Heaven of No Thought should not be king of thing dragons, fish and other being actualized. Therefore, it is not that water exists regarded as upward nor the Avichi Hell as understand and use as water, we do not yet inside Buddha lands, and it is not that Buddha downward. The Avichi Hell is the entire know. Do not foolishly assume that all kinds of lands exist inside water. Water’s existence is phenomenal world; the Heaven of No Thought beings must use as water what we understand not connected to the three times [of past, is the entire phenomenal world. as water. When those who truly study present, and future] and is not connected to Now when dragons and fish see water as a Buddhism seek to learn about water, they dharma worlds. Moreover, although we say it palace, it is just like human beings seeing a should not stick to the water of humans; they is like this, it is the koan of the actualization of palace. They do not think it flows. If an should go on to study the water of Buddhism. water. outsider tells them, "What you see as a palace We should study how we see the water used by Water necessarily reaches the places where is running water," the dragons and fish will be the Buddhas and Ancestors; we should study the Buddhas and ancestors reach. Buddhas and astonished, just as we are when we hear the whether within the rooms of the Buddhas and ancestors necessarily actualize in places where words, "Mountains flow." Nevertheless, there Ancestors, there is or is not water. water reaches. Accordingly, Buddhas and maybe some dragons and fish who understand ancestors necessarily lift up water [as the that the columns and pillars of palaces and Buddha raised the flower] and are taking it as pavilions are flowing water. You should reflect body and mind, are taking it as thought. and consider the meaning of this. If you do not Therefore, at once, nowhere in a text inside or learn to be free from your superficial views, outside [Buddhism] does it say that water does you will not be free from the body and mind of not rise upwards. The “tao of water” passes up, an ordinary person. Then you will not From time immemorial the mountains have down, vertically and horizontally. However, in understand the land of Buddha ancestors, or been the dwelling place of the great sages; wise the Buddhist sutras, [it is written that] fire and even the land or the palace of ordinary people. ones and sages have all made the mountains wind rise upwards and earth and water descend Now human beings well know as water what is their own chambers, their own body and mind. downwards. There is a place to study this “up in the ocean and what is in the river, but they And through these wise ones and sages, the and down.” It is the study of this so-called “up do not know what dragons and fish see as mountains have been actualized. However and down” in the Buddha Way. [This study] water and use as water. Do not foolishly many great sages and wise ones we suppose takes the place where so-called earth and water suppose that what we see as water is used as have aswembled in the mountains, ever since go as “down.” It is not that it takes “down” as water by all other beings. Do not foolishly they entered the mountains, no one has met a the place where earth and water go. The place suppose that what we see as water is used as single one of them. There is only the where fire and wind go is “up.” Although the water by all other beings. You who study with actualization of the life of the mountains; not a dharma worlds are not at all necessarily related Buddhas should not be limited to human views single trace of their having entered remains. to the extent of up or down or the four when you are studying water. You should study The countenance of the mountains is directions, in accordance with the places where how you view the water used by Buddha completely different when we are in the world the four great [elements], the five great ancestors. You should study whether there is gazing off at the mountains, and when we are [elements], and the six great [elements], and so water or no water in the house of Buddha in the mountains meeting the mountains. Our on function, we just provisionally construct the ancestors. consideration and our understanding of dharma world of the [ten] directions. It is not nonflowing should not be the same as the that we are taking the Heaven Without dragon's understanding. Humans and devas Concepts as “up,” and the worst hell as ​ reside in their own worlds, and other beings “down.” The worst hell is also an entire may have doubts about this, or, again, they dharma world. The Heaven Without Concepts may not. Therefore, without giving way to our is also an entire dharma world. surprise and doubt, we should study the words, However, when dragons or fish see water as "mountains flow," with the Buddhas and a palace, it is just like when a person sees a Ancestors. Taking one view, there is flowing; palace. And [dragons and fish] do not know or Mountains have been the abode of great taking another, there is nonflowing. At one see that it is flowing along. If someone who has sages from the limitless past to the limitless time there is flowing; at another, non-flowing. a different perspective were to deliberately present. Wise people and sages all have If our study is not like this, it is not the true point out to them that their palaces are flowing mountains as their inner chamber, as their body dhama wheel of the Tathagata. water, the dragons and fish would instantly be and mind. Because of wise people and sages, An ancient Buddha has said, "if you wish to shocked, just as we would be if we heard mountains appear. You may think that in avoid the karma of avici hell, do not slander the someone say that mountains flow. Moreover, ​ ​ mountains many wise people and great sages true dharma whell of the Tathagatha." These there might be some [dragons and fish] who are assembled. But after entering the words should be engraved on skin, flesh, bones would maintain that there are things to be said 20 mountains, not a single person meets another. and marrow, engraved on interior and exterior like that about the rails, stairs, and pillars of the There is just the activity of the mountains. of body and mind, engraved on emptiness and palaces, towers, and pavilions. You should There is no trace of anyone having entered the on form; they are engraed on trees and rocks, quietly start to consider this principle of things mountains. When you see mountains from the engraved on fields and villages. and gradually think about it. When we are not ordinary world, and when you meet mountains studying penetrating and dropping away from while in mountains, the mountains' head and this perspective, it is not the liberation and eye are viewed quite differently. Your idea or dropping away of the ordinary person’s body view of mountains not flowing is not the same and mind, and it is not having investigated as the view of dragons and fish. Human and completely the lands of the Buddhas and heavenly beings have attained a position ancestors, it is not having investigated concerning their own worlds which other Although we say that mountains belong to the completely ordinary people’s lands, and it is beings either doubt or do not doubt. You country, actually they belong to those who love not having investigated completely ordinary should not just remain bewildered and skeptical them. When the mountains love their master, people’s palaces and halls. when you hear the words, "Mountains flow"; the wise and the virtuous inevitably enter the Although we can say that nowadays human but together with Buddha ancestors you should mountains. And when the sages and wise ones beings know and see deeply the heart of the study these words. When you take one view live in the mountains, because the mountains seas and the heart of the bays as water, we do you see mountains flowing, and when you take belong to them, trees and rocks flourish and not yet know what sort of thing dragons, fish, another view, mountains are not flowing. One abound, and the birds and beasts take on a and so forth see and know as water or use as time mountains are flowing, another time they supernatural excellence. This is because the water. Do not foolishly conclude that what we are not flowing. If you do not fully understand sages and wise ones have covered them with see and know as water is what every type [of

20 "Song of the realization of the way" by Yongjia Xuanjue. ​ this, you do not understand the true Dharma virtue. We should realize that the mountains being] uses as water. When those who now wheel of the Tathagata. An ancient Buddha actually take delight in wise ones and sages. study Buddhism want to study water, they said, "If you do not wish to incur the cause for Throughout the ages we have excellent should not just singlemindedly stop just with Unceasing Hell, do not slander the true Dharma examples of emperors who have gone to the human beings. They should continue on and 21 wheel of the Tathagata." You should carve mountains to pay homage to wise ones and study the water of the Buddha Way. They these words on your skin, flesh, bones, and seek instruction from great sages. At such should study the water used by the Buddhas marrow; on your body, mind, and environs; on times the emperors respected the sages as and ancestors by asking themselves how they emptiness and on form. They are already teachers and honored them without abiding by see it. They should study by asking whether carved on trees and rocks, on fields and wordly forms. For the imperial authority has no water exists or water does not exist within the villages. power over the mountain sage, and the houses of the Buddhas and ancestors. emperors knew that the mountains are beyond the mundane world. Mountains are always the dwelling place of the In ancient times we have the example of great sages. Both wise ones and sages have Although mountains belong to the nation, K'ung-t'ung and Hua Feng. When the Yellow been taking mountains as their private chamber mountains belong to the people who love them. Emperor made his visit to Kuang Ch'eng-tzu, and they have been taking mountains as their When mountains love their master, such a he went on his knees, prostrated himself, and body and mind. Through wise ones and sages virtuous sage or wise person enters the begged instruction. Again, Shakyamuni the mountains are actualizing. In general, mountains. Since mountains belong to the Buddha left his father's palace and went into although you might wonder how many great sages and wise people living there, trees and the mountains; yet his father felt no resentment sages and great wise ones have entered the rocks become abundant and birds and animals toward the mountains, nor distrust of those in mountains and are gathering there, once they are inspired. This is so because the sages and the mountains who instructed the prince. His entered the mountains, there isn’t a single wise people extend their virtue. You should twelve years of cultivating the Way were spent person who has met even one of them. They know it as a fact that mountains are fond of largely in the mountains, and it was in the are just the actualization of the daily activity of wise people and sages. Many rulers have mountains that the Dharma King's auspicious the mountains, and beyond that there remains visited mountains to pay homage to wise event occured. Even a veritable cakravartin not a trace of their having entered. ​ people or to ask for instruction from great does not wield authority over the mountains. The crown and the eyeball are vastly sages. These have been important events in the We should udnerstand that the mountains are different on occasion when one glimpses a past and present. At such times these rulers not within the human realm, nor witbhin the mountain in the world, and an occasion when treat the sages as teachers, disregarding the realm of heaven. They are not to be viewed one meets a mountain in the mountains. [Your] protocol of the usual world. The imperial with the suppositions of human thought. If only memory of not-flowing or [your] knowing and power has no authority over the wise people in we did not compare them with flowing in the seeing not-flowing should not be equivalent to the mountains. Mountains are apart from the human realm, who would have any doubt about the knowing and seeing of dragons and fish. human world. At the time the Yellow Emperor such things as the mountains flowing or not Other types [of beings] doubt that humans and visited Mt. Kongdong to pay homage to flowing? heavenly beings obtain places in their own Guangcheng, he walked on his knees, touched realms, or they do not [even] reach the point of his forehead to the ground, and asked for doubting. Therefore, you should study with the

21 Zhuangzi (Chuangtzu) chap. 4. ​ instruction. When Shakyamuni Buddha left his Buddhas and ancestors the phrase “the father's palace and entered the mountains, his mountain flows,” and you should not give way father the king did not resent the mountains, to surprise or doubt. Holding up one is this nor was he suspicious of those who taught the Again, in ancient times, wise ones and sages flowing, and holding up one is this prince in the mountains. The twelve years of have also lived by the water. When they live by not-flowing. One time around is flowing, and Shakyamuni Buddha's practice of the way were the wayer, they catch fish, or they catch people, one time around is not- flowing. Whatever mostly spent in the mountains, and his or they catch the Way. These are all traditional appears to be without an investigation of this is attainment of the way occurred in the water styles. And going further, there must be not the Tathagata’s True Dharma Wheel. mountains. Thus even his father, a catching the self, catching the hook, being An old Buddha said, “If you want not to wheel-turning king, did not wield authority caught by the hook, and being caught by the welcome the karma of endless [hell], do not over the mountains. You should know that Way revile the Tathagata’s True Dharma Wheel.” mountains are not the realm of human beings In ancient times when Te-ch'eng suddenly You should inscribe these words in your skin, nor the realm of heavenly beings. Do not view left Yueh-shan and went to live on the river, he flesh, bones, and marrow. You should inscribe mountains from the scale of human thought. If got the sage of the Hua-t'ing River. Is this not them on your body and mind, directly and you do not judge mountains' flowing by the catching fish? Is it not catching people? indirectly. You should inscribe them on human understanding of flowing, you will not Catching water? is it not catching himself? For emptiness. You should inscribe them on form. doubt mountains' flowing and not-flowing. anyone to meet Te-ch'eng, they must be They have been inscribed on the trees and the Te-ch'eng; Te-ch'eng's teaching someone is his rocks, and they have been inscribed on the meeting himself. fields and the villages. Itis not the case simply that there is wate rin the world; within the world of water there is a In general, although they say that mountains world. And this is true not only within water; belong to the nation, mountains belong to the On the other hand, from ancient times wise within clouds as well there is a world of people who love them. When the mountains people and sages have often lived near water. sentient beings; wihtin wind, within fire, within necessarily love their master, sages and wise When they live near water they catch fish, earth, there is a world of sentient beings. ones, those of great virtue, enter the mountains. catch human beings, and catch the way. For Within the dharma realms there is a world of When the sages and wise ones live in the long these have been genuine activities in sentient beings; within a single blade of gerass, mountains, the mountains belong to them, and water. Furthermore there is catching the self, within a single staff, there is a world of sentient that is why trees and rocks are thick and dense catching catching, being caught by catching, beings. And wherever there is a world of and birds and beasts have superior spirits. This and being caught by the way. Priest Decheng sentient beings, there, inevitably, is the world is because the sages and wise ones cause them 22 abruptly left Mt. Yao and lived on the river. of the Buddhas and Ancestors. This truth we to be covered with virtue. You should know There he produced a successor, the wise sage should study very carefully. this – it is true that mountains favor the wise. It of the Huating. Is this not catching a fish, Thus, water is the palace of the true dragon; is true that mountains favor the sages. catching a person, catching water, or catching it is not flowing away. If we regard it as only There are many fine examples from past and the self? The disciple seeing Decheng is flowing, the word flowing is an insult to water; present where emperors went into the ​ ​ Decheng. Decheng guiding his disciple is his for it is the same as imposing nonflowing. mountains and bowed to wise persons and ​ ​ 22 Chuanzi Decheng. ​ disciple. Water is nothing but the real form of water just bowed and asked questions of great sages. At It is not only that there is water in the world, as it is. Water is the water virtue; it is not such times, venerating them with respect for a but there is a world in water. It is not just in flowing. In the thorough study of flowing, or teacher, the [emperors] did not at all conform water. There is also a world of sentient beings the nonflowing, of a single drop of water, the to the rules of society. In the places where the in clouds. There is a world of sentient beings in entirety of the ten thousand dharmas is influence of the sages reached, [the emperors] the air. There is a world of sentient beings in instantly realized. did not in the least exert their will over the fire. There is a world of sentient beings on As for mountains, there are mountains hidden mountain’s wise ones. You should come to earth. There is a world of sentient beings in the in jewels; there are mountains hidden in know the fact that the mountain is separate phenomenal world. There is a world of sentient marshes, mountains hidden in the sky; there are from human society. It is said that once at Kuto beings in a blade of grass. There is a world of mountains hidden in mountains. There is a [mountain] in [the realm of] Waho, the Yellow sentient beings in one staff. Wherever there is a study of mountains hidden in hiddenness. An Emperor bowed to and entreated Kosei, asking world of sentient beings, there is a world of ancient Buddha has said, "Mountains are him while crawling on his knees and striking Buddha ancestors. You should thoroughly mountains and rivers are rivers." The meaning his head [on the ground]. examine the meaning of this. of these words is not tha tmountains are Moreover, Shakyamuni Buddha had left the Therefore water is the true dragon's palace. mountains, but that mountains ar emountains. palace of his father, the king, and entered the It is not flowing downward. To consider water Therefore we should thoroughly study these mountains. Nevertheless, his father the king, as only flowing is to slander water with the mountains. When we thoroughly study the did not resent the mountains. His father the word "flowing." This would be the same as mountains, this is the mountain training. Such king did not wonder about the companions who insisting that water does not flow. Water is mountains and rivers themselves spontanously were teaching the crown prince in the only the true thusness of water. Water is become wise ones and sages. mountains. During his twelve year of water's complete virtue; it is not flowing. When practicing the way he was often in the you investigate the flowing of a handful of mountains. His attainment of the Way as water and the not-flowing of it, full mastery of Dharma King was also in the mountains. Truly all things is immediately present. even the Wheel King does not exert his will There are mountains hidden in treasures. over the mountains. You should know this – There are mountains hidden in swamps. There mountains are not in the human realm, and they are mountains hidden in the sky. There are are not in the heavenly realm. You cannot mountains hidden in mountains. There are experience mountains using the standards of mountains hidden in hiddenness. This is human thought. If we did not make a complete understanding. An ancient Buddha comparison with the flowing of the human said, "Mountains are mountains, waters are realm, who would doubt that mountains flow waters." These words do not mean mountains and mountains do not flow. are mountains; they mean mountains are mountains. Therefore investigate mountains There have also been sages and wise ones since thoroughly. When you investigate mountains ancient times who lived like that by the water. thoroughly, this is the work of the mountains. When you live by the water, there is catching fish, there is catching people, and there is Such mountains and waters of themselves catching the Way. These are all traditions from become wise persons and sages. the past of being on the water. Moreover, going At the hour of the Rat, eighteenth day, tenth further, there should be catching the self, there month, first year of Ninji {1240}, this was should be catching the hook, being caught by taught to the assembly at Kannondori Kosho the hook, and being caught by the Way. Horin Monastery. Long ago Priest Tokujo suddenly left Yakuzan and went to live in the heart of the rivers. Right after that he found the wise sage of Katei River. Was this not catching the fish? Was this not catching a person? Was this not catching water? Was this not catching himself? The person who is able to see Tokujo is [himself] Tokujo. Tokujo grasping a person is [his] meeting that person. We say that water exists in the world, but that is not all. Worlds exist within the realm of water. This is not only the case in water. Sentient worlds exist also within clouds. Sentient worlds exist also within wind. Sentient worlds exist also within fire. Sentient worlds exist also within earth. Sentient worlds exist also within Dharma worlds. Sentient worlds exist also within a single blade of grass. Sentient worlds exist also within a single staff. Just as there are sentient worlds, these places necessarily possess worlds of Buddhas and Ancestors. You should carefully study teachings of this kind. Therefore, water is the palace of the true dragon; it is not [about] flowing or falling. To recognize only that it flows, [to recognize only] the word “flow,” is to disrespect water, because, for example, you force it to be not-flowing. Water is nothing other than the absolute reality of water just as it is; it is the benefit of “water being water.” It is not “flowing.” By investigating a single water’s flowing and by investigating not-flowing, the exhaustive investigation of 10,000 Dharmas at once is actualized. With mountains, too, there are mountains hidden in gems; there are mountains hidden in swamps; there are mountains hidden in the sky; there are mountains hidden in mountains; and in the hidden-away there is the study of hidden-away mountaining. An old Buddha said, “Mountains are mountains. Water is water.” This teaching is not saying that “[these] mountains are [these] mountains,” it is saying that mountains are [these] mountains. Therefore, you should investigate [this] mountain, and when you exhaust mountains, it will be an effort [made together] with mountains. These kinds of mountains and waters, on their own, create wise ones, and they create sages. Shobogenzo Mountains and Rivers Sutra (Fascicle) Number 29 Presented to the assembly at Kannon Dori th th Kosho Horin Temple on the 18 day​ of the 10 ​ ​ month of the first year of Ninji (1240).