Master Gasan’s teacher was very severe but Gasan always endured his teacher’s reprimands, even the occasional beating. Others wondered how he could take it so well.

Gasan put it this way,

“A poor disciple uses his teacher’s influence.

A fair disciple admires his teacher’s kindness.

A good disciple grows strong under a teacher’s discipline.”

______________________

Master Gettan used to say:

“There are three kinds of disciples:

Those who impart Zen to others.

Those who maintain the temples and shrines,

and those who are rice bags and clothes-hangers.”