Chan master Longtan Chongxin in the Tang Dynasty studied Chan following Chan Master Tianhuang Daowu. For years, he cooked, chopped wood, carried water, without a single word of Chan cultivation essence from Master Tianhuang Daowu. One day, he said to his master, "Master, I have followed you for years, but I have never gained some enlightenment from you. Would you kindly impart some Dharma essence to me?"

Master Tianhuang Daowu replied at once, "You wrong me! Think about it. I never impart you without a single day since your coming."

"But I am too dumpish to know what you impart to me?"

"When you make tea, I drink for you; when you cook, I eat for you; when you perform Namaste, I nod to you. I never slack off on instructing you."

Hearing that, master Chongxin became enlightened suddenly."

The dialogue of the master and disciple shows that Chan is life. There are limitless Buddhist subtleties in daily life stored in carrying firewood and water as well as having tea and meal.