#8. the Ox and the Man are both Forgotten

Since even space has collapsed, how can obstacles remain ?

Could a snowflake survive inside a burning flame ?

You cheerfully come and go: how could you not always laugh ?

Both the ox and the man have now been forgotten, and you are sitting in silence and emptiness. At such a time "even space has collapsed." In our present state, all phenomena-- including space-- are experienced as existing. But at this time, space collapses. This is finally the moment of awakening. In order for the original nature to appear, it is necessary for even space to collapse.

"Could a snowflake survive inside a burning flame ?" In the midst of such a state, the Buddhas and the patriarchs are of no use any more, for this is the time of "striking down the Buddha and striking down the patriarchs." Since the Buddhas and patriarchs are both of no use, how can you distinguish between ordinary and accomplished beings ? Who would be ordinary ? And who would be accomplished ? Not even a single snowflake could survive here: the Buddhas and patriarchs are of no use to you now.

"You cheerfully come and go:how could you not always laugh ?" It is fine to come and fine to go. It is fine to lie on you back and fine to lie on your belly. You may go as you please through the three unfortunate realms. Whether you are in hell, among the hungry ghosts, or amid the animals, everything is fine. If you find yourself in hell, in heaven, or in the Buddha lands, you can only laugh.