Once Seung Sahn Soen-sa and a student of his attended a…
““Once Seung Sahn Soen-sa and a student of his attended a talk at a Zen center in California. The Dharma teacher spoke about Bodhidharma. After the talk, someone asked him "What's the difference between Bodhidharma's sitting in Sorim for nine years and your sitting here now?" The Dharma teacher said, "About five thousand miles." The questioner said, "Is that all?" The Dharma teacher said, "Give or take a few miles." Later on, Soen-sa asked his student, "What do you think of these answers?" "Not bad, not good. But the dog runs after the bone." "How would you answer?" "I'd say, 'Why do you make a difference?' " Soen-sa said, "Not bad. Now you ask me." "What's the difference between Bodhidharma's sitting in Sorim for nine years and your sitting here now?" "Don't you know?" "I'm listening." "Bodhidharma sat in Sorim for nine years. I am sitting here now." The student smiled.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A Zen dialogue humorously explores the futility of comparing spiritual depth across traditions, emphasizing present awareness over historical distance.
In simple terms: Comparing spiritual practice is pointless; focus on listening now.
Key Takeaway
Listen deeply, stay present.
Themes
Zen
mindfulness
spirituality
humor
Mood
contemplative
lighthearted
Type
Enlightenment:1
Thousand miles:0
Zen:1
Bodhidharma Sitting:0
Difference Bodhidharma:0
Bodhidharma Talk:0
Sitting Dharma:0
Listening Bodhidharma:0
When to use this quote
- meditation retreats
- philosophy discussions
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
nonduality
impermanence
teaching method
Questions to Reflect On
- How does present awareness change your practice?
- What does “the dog runs after the bone” suggest?
A Different Perspective
The analogy may oversimplify complex traditions.