Gasan was sitting at the bedside of Tekisui three days before his teacher’s passing. Tekisui had already chosen Gasan as his successor.
A temple had recently burned down and Gasan was rebuilding it. Tekisui asked him: “What are you going to do when the temple is rebuilt?”
“When you’re better we want you to speak there,” said Gasan.
“Suppose I die before then?” “Then we’ll find somebody else,” replied Gasan.
“Suppose you can’t get anybody?” said Tekisui.
Gasan answered loudly: “Don’t ask such stupid questions. Just go fuck yourself.”
