6. Buddha Twirls a Flower

When Buddha was in Grdhrakuta mountain he turned a flower in his fingers and held in before his listeners. Every one was silent. Only Mahakashyapa smiled at this revelation, although he tried to control the lines of his face.

Buddha said:
  "I have the eye of the true teaching, the heart of Nirvana, the true aspect
   of non-form, and the ineffable stride of Dharma. It is not expressed by
   words, but especially transmitted beyond teaching. This teaching I have
   given to Mahakashyapa."

Mumon's Comment:

Golden-faced Guatama thought he could cheat anyone. He made the good listeners as bad, and sold dog meat under the sign of mutton. And he himself thought it was wonderful. What if all the audience had laughed together? How could he have transmitted the teaching? And again, if Mahakashyapa had not smiled, how could he have transmitted the teaching? If he says that realization can be transmitted, he is like the city slicker that cheats the country dub, and if he says it cannot be transmitted, why does he approve of Mahakashyapa ?

    At the turning of a flower
    His diguise was exposed.
    No one in heaven or earth can surpass
    Mahakashyapa's wrinkled face.