Buddhist-Meditation-Systematic-and-Practical

functions of Buddhahood—cannot speak in this way.
Such people (claiming, as they do, Full Enlightenment),
should be questioned thus: "Where is your all-knowing
wisdom, your great compassion, the eighteen special
dharmas of a Buddha (avenika-dharmas), your
thirty-two marks of a great person, or the eighty minor
characteristics? Where are your functions of salvation?
Come, show these to me!"
But the tongues of those adhering to such "Mouth
Chan" are very sharp. They might say, quite unruffled:
"Oh! my supernormal powers? To chop wood and bring
water!" Then some other questions are needed; "Why
are the powers limited to this? Where are your six
abhijna (higher powers)? The Buddha Gautama
possessed these; is he worse than you?"
Mr. Chen, smiling throughout this imaginary debate,
now laughed heartily and said, "They may answer:
'To make water and to pass stool—these are
supernormal powers!' One should say to this: 'Even
the Buddha's stool had a sweet smell; how is it that
yours stinks? '"
All those who want to understand even a little of Chan
must know our three C's. With these in mind, one
should honestly examine oneself to find out where one
is now. Am I really a religious person or do I just
deceive myself?
676