I Thought the Path Went That Way but It Goes This Way Too

Here are some responses to the comments from yesterday’s post. Interesting that the beard got most of the attention. It is probably better to sit quietly and contemplate the other parts of the koan first. Young Huangbo’s little drama is a capper, after all. But it goes both ways too.

And if you are confused, think you are stupid, and/or your head is spinning when encountering the Wild Fox koan, you might be taking it in. Or taken in. (I loved the point from the comments about wanting to be confused in the “right” way!)

On the other hand, if you apply a theory to it in order to make it simple and comfortable for your present understanding – trying to box the beard and the red fox in a neat formula – you utterly miss the mark and are lucky you’re out of range (like in Ireland!) of my little dokusan stick!

Dear GS: ignorance is no excuse of the law. Being deluded, is no excuse for karma. Yes, you are responsible for your actions. And thinking is the most powerful form of karma. From thinking great and horrible empty things are done.

“Does karma ever end?” Or you might say, “Is a person of great practice free from cause-intention-action-effect?”

You are a true wild fox spirit!