Tortoise: Evidently not. What is the origin of the Geometric Code?
Achilles: It came from an ancient master known as "Great Tutor" who my
master says is the only one ever to attain the Enlightenment 'Yond
Enlightenment.
Tortoise: Good gravy! As if one level of the stuff weren't enough. But then
there are gluttons of every sort-why not gluttons for enlightenment?
Achilles: Do you suppose that "Enlightenment 'Yond Enlightenment"
stands for "EYE"?
Tortoise: In my opinion, it's rather doubtful that it stands for you, Achilles.
More likely, it stands for "Meta-Enlightenment"-"ME", that is.
Achilles: For you? Why would it stand for you? You haven't even reached
the FIRST stage of enlightenment, let alone the-
Tortoise: You never know, Achilles. Perhaps those who have learned the
lowdown on enlightenment return to their state before enlightenment.
I've always held that "twice enlightened is unenlightened." But let's get
back to the Grand Tortue-uh, I mean the Great Tutor.
Achilles: Little is known of him, except that he also invented the Art of Zen
Strings.
Tortoise: What is that?
Achilles: It is an art on which the decision procedure for Buddha-nature is
based. I shall tell you about it.
Tortoise: I would be fascinated. There is so much for novices like me to
absorb!
Achilles: There is even reputed to be a koan which tells how the Art of Zen
Strings began. But unfortunately, all this has long since been lost in the
sands of time, and is no doubt gone forever. Which may be just as well,
for otherwise there would be imitators who would take on the master's
name, and copy him in other ways.
Tortoise: But wouldn't it be a good thing if all students of Zen copied that
most enlightened master of all, the Great Tutor?
Achilles: Let me tell you a koan about an imitator.Zen master Gutei raised his finger whenever he was asked a question
about Zen. A young novice began to imitate him in this way. When Gutei
was told about the novice's imitation, he sent for him and asked him if it
were true. The novice admitted it was so. Cutei asked him if he under-
stood. In reply the novice held up his index finger. Gutei promptly cut it
off. The novice ran from the room, howling in pain. As he reached the
threshold, Cutei called, "Boy!" When the novice turned, Cutei raised his
index finger. At that instant the novice was enlightened.Tortoise: Well, what do you know! Just when I thought Zen was all about
Joshu and his shenanigans, now I find out that Gutei is in on the
merriment too. He seems to have quite a sense of humor.
Achilles: That koan is very serious. I don't know how you got the idea that
it is humorous.
Tortoise: Perhaps Zen is instructive because it is humorous. I would guess
A Mu Offering 237