PICTORIAL BIOGRAPHY OF THE VENERABLE MASTER HSU YUN

Continued from issue #87

COMPOSED BY THE VENERABLE MASTER HSUAN HUA

Illustrated by a student of Prajna
Translated by Bhiksu Heng Yo

Parts Company at Chang Chou and Goes on Alone #44

The four Ch'an monks from Fa Hua Temple on P'u T'o Mountain who carried incense for the Master began to feel the adversity and difficulty of the journey and often spoke of returning. The Master exhorted them with kind words, so that they would not speak of losing ambition. At this, the foursome decided that they would definitely part company with him. Upon hearing their staunch intent to withdraw, the Master did nothing but listen. He sighed, "But think of how the World Honored One cultivated the Way in the Himalayas:” Nevertheless the four attendants took their leave. To have companions along the way is not easy, indeed.

The Gatha says:

Traveling far to the borderlands he underwent bitter suffering.

He practiced restriction of his appetite, and strained his tired muscles.

Impartial without afflictions, he had no point of dependence.

He practiced aloof, bowing by himself, and proved his accomplishment alone.