My daily activities are not unusual—
I am just naturally in harmony with them,
Grasping nothing, discarding nothing,
And everyplace there’s no hindrance, no conflict.
My supernatural power and marvelous activity
Is drawing water and carrying firewood.”
Layman Pang

“Sometimes ordinary folks get the idea that the meaning of Chan is so profound that only men and women who’ve been ordained in the Dharma can possibly fathom it. But that’s just not so. Actually, we priests often feel that we’re in way over our heads. And every now and then, while we splash about, trying to look good treading water in our nice uniforms, along comes a civilian who zips by us, swimming like an Olympic champion. Such a civilian was Layman Pang. He would have won Chan’s gold medal. He’s been a hero not only to centuries worth of other laymen, but also, I confess, to every priest who’s ever studied his winning style.” Empty Cloud