PZI Teacher Archives

Yunyan Asks Daowu About Hands and Eyes (BCR89)

KOAN:

Yunyan asked Daowu, “How does the bodhisattva of great compassion use all those hands
and eyes?”
Daowu answered, “It’s like feeling behind you for a pillow in the middle of the night.”
“I understand.”
“What do you understand?”
“The whole body is hands and eyes.”
“That’s very well expressed, but it only says 80%.”
“What would you say, older brother?”
“All through the body are hands and eyes.”

—Blue Cliff Record, Case 89