A Zen master named Gettan lived during the latter part of the Tokugawa era. He said: “There are three kinds of students: those who transmit Zen to others; those who maintain temples and shrines; and there are also rice bags and clothes hangers.”
Gadzan expressed the same idea.
When he studied with Tekisun, his teacher was very harsh. Sometimes he even beat students. Other students did not want to endure such teaching and left. Gadzan remained, saying:
— A bad student uses the influence of the teacher. The average student admires the teacher's kindness. A good student grows strong under the pressure of the teacher's discipline.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru