Teisho: Carolyn Seburn. Shakyamuni holds up a flower

In this teisho on Mumonkan case 6, “Shakyamuni Holds Up a Flower,” Carolyn Roshi notes that this koan is uniquely important as a record of the first transmission, the foundation moment of Buddhism. She notes that not a word is spoken at the key moment when Shakyamuni Buddha, on Vulture Peak, gave a teaching by simply holding up a flower. Among the many disciples in attendance, only Maha Kasyapa reacted, also wordlessly, by smiling. Recognizing then that Maha Kasyapa had realized his true nature, Shakyamuni entrusted the teaching of the Dharma to him. Drawing on What Makes You Not a Buddhist? By Tibetan Lama Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse, Carolyn considers that the central point of the koan, which is elaborated symbolically and ironically in Mumon’s commentary and verse, is that nothing was transmitted. Upon seeing the flower, Maha Kasyapa realized the true nature that had been his from the beginning. Citing Yamada Ko’un Roshi’s statement that “everyone is living the continuous moment of the whole,” Carolyn Roshi explains that the moment of transmission is always happening right now, and we are all present to witness it.
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