Zen Master Man Gong was Seung Sahn Soen Sa's Dharma grandfather. As a thirteen year old child, he was studying sutras in the Dong-Hak Temple in Korea. The day before vacation was to start, everyone was gathered to listen to lectures.
The teacher of scriptures said, "All of you must study hard, learn Buddhism, and so become as big trees, with which great temples are built, and as large bowls, able to hold many things. The verse says:
Water becomes square or round according to the the shape of the container in which it is placed. Likewise, people become good or bad according to the company they keep.
"Always keep your minds set on holiness and remain in good company. In this way, you will become great trees and containers of Wisdom. This I most sincerely wish.''
Everyone was inspired by this lecture. At this point, the teacher of scriptures turned to the visiting Zen Master Kyong Ho, and said, "Please speak, Master Kyong Ho; everyone would like to hear your words of wisdom.''
The Master was quite a sight. He always was unshaven and wore robes that were tattered and worn. Although he at first refused, after being asked again and again, he reluctantly consented to speak.
"A11 of you are monks. You are to be great teachers, freed from the ego; you must live only to serve all people. Desiring to become as a big tree or a great container of Wisdom prevents you from being a true teacher. Big trees have a big use; small trees have a small use. Good and bad bowls both have uses. Nothing is to be discarded. Keep both good and bad friends; this is your responsibility. You must not reject any element; this is Buddhism. My only wish is for you to free yourself from conceptions."
Having completed his talk, the Master walked out the door, leaving the audience astonished. The child Man Gong ran after him, and called out, "Please take me with you; I wish to become your student.''
The Master shouted at him to go away, but the child would not. So he asked, "If I take you with me. what will you do?''
"I will learn. You will teach me."
"But you are only a child. How can you understand?''
''People are young and old, but in truth, is there youth or old age?''
''You are a very bad boy. You have killed and eaten even the Buddha. Come along.''
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