Master Obaku, the teacher of Master Rinzai, was famous for his frequent admonition to his students, “Don’t expect anything from the Three Treasures.” Time after time he was heard to say this. One day, however, Master Obaku was observed in the act of bowing, and was challenged about his practice.
“You always tell your students not to expect anything from the Three Treasures,” said the questioner, “and yet you have been making deep bows.” In fact, he had been bowing so frequently and for so long that a large callous had formed on his forehead at the point where it touched the hard floor. When asked how he explained this, Master Obaku replied, “I don’t expect. I just bow.”
This is the state of being one with the Three Treasures. Let us just make gassho. Let us just bow.