Fuke's Money

[Guest guest]

No doubt, Fuke was one of the most

eccentric masters who ever taught

Zen.

 

As he was dying, one of the monks

that were gathered around his mat,

pleaded, " Master give us a last word

of wisdom. "

 

Fuke stretched his hand toward him,

and said, " Give me some money. "

The hand dropped, and he expired.

 

P: Of course, Fuke, knew the monk

had no money. Was he saying like

Christ, " To those who have, more will

be given. " ? How can we recognize

wisdom, if it's not already at work in us?

 

Or maybe, Fuke was just saying: To that

place which you have renounced (the

world), in wisdom, you shall return.

 

Or maybe, Fuke was just laughing at the

spiritually greedy monk. What better lesson

could he give that to die in peace?

 

Pete