Life After Enlightenment

Master Doeung was crossing a river with his teacher Dongsan. Rolling up their pants and splashing through the water, Dongsan asked his disciple Doeung:

"How deep is the water?"

"It does not get wet."

"You are truly rough."

"Then please tell me, Master."

"It has not dried up."

How deep is the water? Just as feet sink into water, the teacher was asking whether we are not stuck ankle-deep in this world as we live our lives.

Doeung replied:

"It does not get wet."

The essential mind that has attained enlightenment does not fall into the world of emotions that arise again. This statement is about his inner state while also containing the following meaning:

"I remain steadfastly in the world of essence, without being swept away by the demands of the world that sentient beings require."

Then Dongsan said:

"You are truly rough."

You lack compassion. You only thought of yourself who does not get wet, but you do not know how to save the world that is wet.

"Then please tell me, Master."

"It has not dried up."

Please pay attention to Dongsan's words. His words do not focus on himself. His answer is directed toward all sentient beings.

"Sentient beings have not dried up."

This means that while being here in this world, he is saving the world.

After attaining enlightenment, life changes dramatically. You too will be able to experience for yourself the dramatic changes in your life after gaining enlightenment. From that point on, life is lived not for yourself, but for others, for the world. You will live a life of creating all things while working together with all things.