- Gae-byuk Is Easy to Bring About
- 1 In July 1905 (DG 35), Sahng-jeh-nim took Wun-il and a few other disciples to Gae-ahm Temple on Byun Mountain. He had Wun-il prepare a bull’s head and a bottle of rice wine for a spiritual offering.
- 2 In one room, Sahng-jeh-nim placed a bowl of fresh water near the wall. After the bull’s head had been boiled, He placed it in front of the bowl and told Wun-il to kneel facing it. Sahng-jeh-nim then put three matches into the bowl of water. Suddenly, there was heavy rain and strong winds.
- 3 Sahng-jeh-nim said to Wun-il, “If I throw the whole box of matches into a large pot of water, the entire world will be flooded. Now, you know how easy gae-byuk is. If done before the time is right, it would only bring disaster.”
- 4 Sahng-jeh-nim flicked some water in the direction of Suk Bridge in Bu-ahn County. Clouds gathered over the bridge and rain came pouring down, yet around the temple, the sky remained clear.
- 5 Sahng-jeh-nim said to Wun-il, “Hurry to your house and then come back.” Obeying this command, Wun-il returned home.
- 6 At his house, his younger brother’s family had gathered because their house had been destroyed by the sudden downpour. In deep sorrow, he returned and reported this to Sahng-jeh-nim,
- 7 who said, “Gae-byuk is this easy. But if we were the only ones to survive after having flooded the world, what good would it do?
- 8 Saving lives and healing the world is the dao of sages. Bringing calamities upon people and creating upheaval in the world is the method of conquerors and tyrants. The world has suffered long enough from conquerors and tyrants.
- 9 Through the dao of mutual life-giving, I will enlighten humanity and bring about peace and harmony on earth. It is not that it is difficult to see the new world; it is difficult to correct the mind. From now on, set your mind right.
- 10 To become a great person, you must always think of saving others. How can it be right to allow the multitudes to be destroyed while only you prosper?”
- 11 In awe, Wun-il sincerely regretted having troubled Sahng-jeh-nim with inconsiderate words.
- 12 Because Wun-il’s younger brother had resented that Wun-il, in following Sahng-jeh-nim, did not take care of the family, he often spoke ill of Sahng-jeh-nim.
- 13 After listening to Wun-il relate the story, the younger brother changed his mind and wondered if his house had collapsed because of the way he had spoken.
- (JSD Dojeon 2,56)
