As they stand together in the Dharma Hall, the attendant opens for the Master this venerable patchwork robe. The old sage turns and whispers,
"What is really going on beneath this ragged robe?"
The successor, deeply prepared for the transmission of light, remains poised in silence. Intensely, the master continues to whisper,
"To study and practice the Buddha way without reaching what is beneath the robe creates the greatest pain. Please ask me the question."
The successor repeats the sage's words,
"What is really going on beneath this robe?"
With almost no sound, the Zen Master responds,
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