David Given Schwarm

A monk asked Gokoku, “How about when a crane perches on a withered pine tree?”

Gokoku said, “It is a disgrace when seen from the ground.”

The monk asked, “What about when every drop of water is frozen at once?”

Gokoku said, “It’s a disgrace after the sun has risen.”

The monk asked, “At the time of the Eshô Persecution, where did the good Guardian Deities of the Dharma go?”

Gokoku said, “It is a disgrace for the two of them on both sides of the temple gate.”