Showing the Dharma with the Tongue

A monk asked Chan Master Lingguan, "What is the Buddha?"

Master Lingguan said nothing in reply. He simply stuck out his tongue for the monk to see.

The monk, seemingly grasping something, bowed to the master in gratitude.

But Master Lingguan stopped him. "Wait, wait—what did you understand? Why are you bowing to me?"

The monk answered respectfully, "Thank you, Master, for your compassion. By sticking out your tongue, you showed me that the Dharmakaya pervades all directions and is everywhere."

"Oh, you're reading too much into it," Master Lingguan replied. "I just had a sore on my tongue and wanted to show you!"