Zen Koan – Cookies of Zen – Case 21 – The Flower of Enlightenment

When Buddha was holding a meeting at Eagle's Peak, millions gathered. At that time, Buddha held up one flower and showed it to the crowd. No one but Mahakasyapa understood this and he smiled. Mahakasyapa was the first disciple of Buddha. What was the reason Mahakasyapa smiled?

Zen-Master Hye-Am

We should know the essence of this. No matter who asks me, I should not tell them the whole essence of this exchange, but I can tell one third of it. What is the essence of his smile?

The smiling was laughing.

If one knew the meaning of his laughing, he could also know the essence of Mahakasyapa's smile. Now then, all of you, tell me, what was the reason Mahakasyapa laughed at the Buddha? If one questioned me again, I would say,

Because he thought it was silly.