Q: When we investigate, “Who is mindful of the Buddha?” isn’t this considered seeking?

A: This is called investigating, not seeking.

Q: What is the difference between investigating and seeking?

A: Investigating Chan is like drilling a hole. Such effort is not considered seeking. When one seeks, the process is endless and one will never produce a hole from it. When you drill, a hole is produced. Do you understand?

Q: It seems like we are trying to find something by asking, “Who?” in “Who is mindful of the Buddha?”

A: Yes, we are trying to find something. However, we are not seeking. Finding is the same as investigating. It is called investigating the meditation topic [literally, “what comes before words”], instead of seeking the meditation topic. (Speech Given by Master Xuanhua, Compiled by Bhikshuni Heng Jyun, English translation by Jack Chong)