Publishing the Sutras
A monk was copying sutras when Master Joshu approached.
The monk said,
"
Master, I am copying the sacred texts with reverence.
May this merit bring me blessing." Joshu replied,
"It is better to copy one word." The monk asked,
"What word is that?" Joshu covered his ears with his hands and walked away.
Reflection
Zhaozhou's reply to the monk copying sutras - 'It is better to copy one word' - critiques the reification of scripture and ritual. The monk seeks blessing through the accumulation of merit, but Zhaozhou directs him to the essence beyond words. The 'one word' cannot be grasped; when the monk asks what it is, Zhaozhou covers his ears and walks away.