Let the Dust Settle | Shōyōroku Case 33

In this episode of Awakening Streams, Sensei Sōen Michael Brunner reflects on the often unnoticed energy behind our words and the subtle traps we fall into when speaking from pride, performance, or certainty. Through the lens of Case 33 from the Book of Serenity, we’re invited to confront the question:

What happens when the desire to be seen replaces the desire to connect?

Sanshō comes to Seppō with the declaration that he has passed through all the nets—the traps of Dharma, koans, concepts. But Seppō replies, “I’ll wait until you get out of the net, then I’ll tell you.”

What follows is not a philosophical debate, but a complete refusal to participate in spiritual theatrics. Seppō doesn’t reward the display. He doesn’t try to win. He just returns to what’s real: the responsibilities and humility of the present moment.

Main Themes

🪶 The Dust of Words
We often speak not to connect, but to perform, to be right, or to relieve internal pressure. But unless someone truly wants to hear—and unless we genuinely want to communicate—our words are just dust, stirring up confusion.

🎭 The Trap of Performance
Sanshō isn’t asking a real question—he’s performing realization. “What will you feed a golden carp like me?” Seppō sees this and refuses to feed the ego, even a “spiritual” one. Realization that demands applause is still caught.

🪓 The Compassionate Cut
Seppō’s response—“For this old monk, affairs do multiply”—isn’t a dodge. It’s a clear sword stroke that ends the game. He refuses to escalate, refuses to shame. He just stays rooted in his responsibility. That’s letting the dust settle.

🌊 What Is the Net?
Even when we think we’ve broken through—gotten free—the hook might still be in our mouth. The net we must slip is the one made of pride, identity, and the need to be affirmed.

🙏 Real Practice Begins Without Applause
When there’s nothing left to prove, no recognition coming, and no place to rest—can you still practice? That’s the entry point into real awakening.

Key Quotes from the Talk

“When there’s already heat and tension and pride that’s been bruised, trying to communicate from a platform of spiritual certainty is worse than useless.”

“You think you're free? You’re tangled up in yourself. I’m not going to feed this.”

“Seppō doesn’t reward the performance. He just keeps to the real: ‘I have things to do.’”

“There’s no food for the ego in true realization.”

“If there’s no safe place to rest, no recognition coming—can you still practice?”

Practice Reflection

This week, reflect on these questions:

When you speak, are you trying to connect—or to be right?

Where do you still crave recognition for your insight or experience?

Can you let the dust settle—internally and relationally—before speaking or acting?

Sit with this kōan. Watch your words. Notice the net.

Resources

The Book of Serenity (Shōyōroku), Case 33 – Sanshō’s Golden Carp

One River Zen – www.oneriverzen.org

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