7. The Manliness of the Zen Monk and of the Samurai.

Thirdly, both the Zen monk and the Samurai were distinguished by
their manliness and dignity in manner, sometimes amounting to
rudeness. This is due partly to the hard discipline that they
underwent, and partly to the mode of instruction. The following
story,[FN#83] translated by Mr. D. Suzuki, a friend of mine, may well
exemplify our statement:


[FN#83] The Journal of the Pali Text Society, 1906-1907.


When Rin-zai[FN#84] was assiduously applying himself to Zen
discipline under Obak (Huang Po in Chinese, who died 850), the head
monk recognized his genius. One day the monk asked him how long he
had been in the monastery, to which Rin-zai replied: 'Three years.'
The elder said: 'Have you ever approached the master and asked his
instruction in Buddhism?' Rin-zai said: 'I have never done this, for
I did not know what to ask.' 'Why, you might go to the master and
ask him what is the essence of Buddhism?'


[FN#84] Lin Tsi, the founder of the Lin Tsi school.


"Rin-zai, according to this advice, approached Obak and repeated the
question, but before he finished the master gave him a slap.