3. From the High Seat, the master said: "Upon the lump of red
flesh there is a True Man of no Status8 who ceaselessly goes out
and in through the gates of your face. Those who have not yet
recognized him, look out, look out!"
A monk came forward and asked: "What is the True Man of no
Status?" 8.)
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8. Flesh stands for heart. Everybody in the Chinese hierarchy had "his place"
designated, at least culturally and ethically if not directly. Hence a "True man
of no Status" is free from all bonds — and also inconceivable.
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The master descended from the meditation cushion, 9) grabbed
(the monk) and said: "Speak, speak!"
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9. Same as High Seat — (The raised seat in the Dharma Hall from which a
master taught, or was available for questioners. Phrases like "to take the
High Seat," or "from the High Seat," etc., refer to these formal assemblies.).
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The monk hesitated. The master released him and said: "What a
shit-stick 10) this True Man of no Status is!" Then he withdrew to
his quarters.
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10. Various translations, and reams of commentary exist for this remark.
Idiomatically perhaps something like "what a mess ..." would render it.
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