Followers of the Way [of Chán], if you want to get the…
![“Followers of the Way [of Chán], if you want to get the kind of understanding that accords with the Dharma, never be misled by others. Whether you're facing inward or facing outward, whatever you meet up with, just kill it! If you meet a buddha, kill the buddha. If you meet a patriarch, kill the…” quote by Linji Yixuan](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/47f/linji-yixuan-42287_accord_followers-of-the-way-of-ch-n-if-you-want_1712520.png)
“Followers of the Way [of Chán], if you want to get the kind of understanding that accords with the Dharma, never be misled by others. Whether you're facing inward or facing outward, whatever you meet up with, just kill it! If you meet a buddha, kill the buddha. If you meet a patriarch, kill the patriarch. If you meet an arhat, kill the arhat. If you meet your parents, kill your parents. If you meet your kinfolk, kill your kinfolk. Then for the first time you will gain emancipation, will not be entangled with things, will pass freely anywhere you wish to go.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The teaching urges radical non-attachment, urging one to transcend all concepts and relationships, even revered ones, to achieve true liberation.
In simple terms: Let go of all attachments, even to teachers and family, to be free.
Key Takeaway
Practice non-attachment to all forms and identities.
Themes
non-attachment
spiritual liberation
ego dissolution
Mood
detached
intense
paradoxical
Type
philosophical
spiritual
When to use this quote
- Meditation practice
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- spiritual crisis
Key Concepts
Zen Buddhism
emptiness
mindfulness
Questions to Reflect On
- What attachments truly bind you?
- How can you honor teachers while letting go of their authority?
A Different Perspective
Such extreme negation can be psychologically harmful if taken literally.