Note f123 — ON SATORI—THE REVELATION OF A NEW TRUTH IN ZEN BUDDHISM
Reading edition
This lively utterance remind one of a lightning simile in the Kena-Upanishad (IV. 30):
“This is the way It [that is, Brahman] is to be illustrated: When lightnings have been loosened,— a—a—ah! When that has made the eyes to be closed,— a—a—ah! So far concerning Deity [devata].”
Lightning flash is a favourite analogue with the Zen masters too; the unexpected onrush of satori into the ordinary field of consciousness has something of the nature of lightning. It comes so suddenly and when it comes the world is at once illumined and revealed in its entirety and in its harmonious oneness; but when it vanishes everything falls back into its old darkness and confusion.