What to Polish

Master Majo is said to have made holes in 7 mats by sitting on for meditation, when he was in Master Whoeyang's temple. He was so addicted to sitting that he looked like a dead man or a statue. Then, noticing that he made no progress, Whoeyang asked, "What are you doing ?" Majo answered, "Zazen." Whoeyang asked again,"What for ?" Majo answered, "To become a Buddha."

Whoeyang was polishing a brick one day. Majo heard the noise and asked, "What are you polishing the brick for ?" Whoeyang answered, "To make a mirror." Thinking that it is not possible anyhow, Majo asked, "How can you make a mirror with a brick." Whoeyang answered, " Then, can you make a Budda by sitting on a mat ?" Majo asked, "What shall I do ?"

Whoeyang answered, "When an oxcart doesn't go, do you have to hit the ox or the cart ? Under this word, Majo became fully enlightened.