On Heights

[sdi]

A disciple of the priest Tsui Wei once asked him, "What is Buddhism really about?" Since they were in a lecture hall with other monks nearby, Tsui Wei responded, "Ask me again later, when nobody is around."

Later that day, when the disciple was finally alone with Tsui Wei, he said, "We're alone now; what is the secret?" Tsui Wei led the disciple out to the garden and pointed at the bamboo growing there. At length, when it was clear that the disciple still didn’t understand, Tsui Wei said, "Look, there is a tall bamboo; and over there, a short one!"

(from the Shinji Shobogenzo, compiled by Eihei Dogen)

In deference to Love, may we all recognize and respect that there are many heights, many many paths to those heights, and many many many wayfarers on those paths.