Master Ma Is Unwell (BCR3)

KOAN:

Ancestor Ma was sick. The superintendent of the monastery asked him, “How are you feeling these days?” The Ancestor said, “Sun Face Buddha, Moon Face Buddha.”

—Blue Cliff Record, Case 3

Sun Face Buddha, Moon Face Buddha
What kind of people where the ancient emperors!
For twenty years I have struggled fiercely,
How many times have I gone down to the Blue Dragon’s Cave for you?
This distress is worth recounting,
Clear-eyed bodhisattvas should not take it lightly.

—Xuedou’s commentary on Case 3