What is the Essential Point of Buddha-Dharma?

Daoyi sat in silence on the teaching seat. He spoke not with words, but with silence. Baizhang understood this. Though the master only showed the state of enlightenment without speaking, Baizhang knew that Latihan (the essential life energy emanating from an enlightened being) was flowing from the master. Baizhang showed his understanding by rolling up the mat, responding to the wordless words. When Daoyi opened his eyes, he saw that Baizhang had already become a tiger cub.

Daoyi was delighted. ‘Finally, this fellow has become human!’ Daoyi descended from his seat because the teaching was complete. Baizhang had already attained enlightenment.

Baizhang asked: ‘What exactly is enlightenment? Please tell me in words.’

‘It is teaching you where to cast away your body and life.’

If we cast away our life while afraid, we die of fear. But if we truly cast away body and life without even fear, you will live. You will live eternally. Because this is the death of ego and simultaneously eternal life.

Daoyi asked whether Baizhang could stand on his own: ‘How will you express your enlightenment?’

Do you have a vessel to express your enlightenment?

Baizhang raised the temple whisk high in the air. This meant he would teach with the Buddha-Dharma, with unwavering mind, with single-minded purpose.

Daoyi questioned: ‘Is that all? Is there anything else?’

Teaching with Buddha-Dharma points to only half. That alone is insufficient.

Then Baizhang threw down the whisk. This meant it wasn’t just half. He would teach not only how to write on the blackboard but also how to erase what’s written. Not only how to weave the net but also how to unravel it.

Baizhang and Daoyi understood each other perfectly. They became one beyond language.