Dialogue with Disciple

[First published in the New English Review, April 2024]

(Master, what is the meaning of existence?)
I once had six ch'in of flax.
   -- A koan, ca. 8th century, A.D.

Orange-skinned demon crushed under the foot of the sage. Photograph by Richard Kuslan. Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved.

The gods (what gods? whose gods? where gods?)
Hide seeds within the pod of man
(what pod? what man? in flesh facades?)
The lightest touch may set them off
To spore upon the wind and spawn
In fertile soil...ah, you scoff.

Green-skinned demon crushed under the foot of the sage. Photograph by Richard Kuslan. Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved.

(I do, if semen's meant? Well then...)
Jest not: These seeds are never seen.
(Huh? Why confuse with riddles when...)
Concrete's told in terms concretely.
(Ah! Analogy sways the brain?)
A seed takes root!  (Master, teach me!)

Giant Buddha Superimposed over Mount Emei from Afar. Photographs by Richard Kuslan. Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved.