If you meet the Buddha, kill him.
“Killing the Buddha” is a metaphor for letting go of attachments to external forms, concepts, and authority figures in order to achieve spiritual liberation.
This saying is often attributed to the Zen master Linji Yixuan (also known as Rinzai in Japanese), the founder of the Linji school of Chan Buddhism during the 9th century in China
“If you Meet the Buddha on the Road, Kill Him!” is also the title of the book by Sheldon B. Kopp, which I have read many times over and highly recommend.
The actual quote, translated, is: “If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha. If you meet the patriarchs, kill the patriarchs. If you meet an Arhat, kill the Arhat…Then for the first time, you will gain emancipation, will not be entangled with things, will pass freely anywhere you wish to go.”
The purpose of this statement is obviously to provoke, and not to be taken literally.
Why is “Killing the Buddha” the path to freedom
In Zen Buddhism, “killing” the Buddha, patriarchs, or one’s guru is a metaphor for letting go of attachment to external forms, concepts, and authority figures in order to achieve true spiritual liberation.
The “Buddha” in this context represents any external authority or belief system that we may become attached to. Truths that we cling on to for dear life.
By “killing” the Buddha, we are letting go of our dependence on external authority and validation, and learning to trust our inner wisdom. This is a crucial step in spiritual growth and self-discovery.
It points, like the proverbial finger pointing to the moon, that ultimate truth or enlightenment cannot be found in any external figure or concept, not even in the Buddha himself. If we cling to such figures, we miss the essence of the teachings and remain trapped in dualistic thinking.
Even the most revered spiritual guides or teachings can become obstacles if we grasp at them too tightly. True awakening comes from direct insight, not from worship or imitation. Because any Buddha you can see is not the true Buddha. Or “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.”
The rhetoric of “killing” is to jolt the mind out of dependence on external forms. It’s a call to let go of all attachments and experience the liberating emptiness at the heart of Zen.
The Need for Detachment:
It’s easy to become attached to things, people, and ideas. We often cling to these attachments, believing they will bring us happiness and fulfilment. However, holding onto attachments can lead to suffering and anxiety. Learning to let go is a powerful practice that can help us release these attachments and cultivate inner peace.
But letting go is often easier said than done. Our attachments can be deeply ingrained, and the idea of releasing them can be frightening. We may fear the unknown or worry that letting go will leave us feeling empty or unfulfilled.
However, detachment is not about becoming indifferent. Rather, it’s about cultivating a sense of inner freedom and peace that allows us to engage with the world in a more authentic and meaningful way.
This wisdom is universal, and found in many great religions and science itself. There is nothing blasphemous about the interior act of “killing the Buddha” because enlightenment comes the moment you see that the only Buddha is the one that is within you.
Same lessons from other traditions?
Letting go does not just refer to spiritual and religious beliefs, but also all other things that we hang on to. Our jobs, our physical and psychological “things”, and whatever crutches that we think we need to go through life.
In Taoism, the concept of “Wu Wei” is central to the practice of letting go. “Wu Wei” means “non-action” or “effortless action,” and it involves aligning oneself with the natural flow of the universe rather than striving against it. The Tao Te Ching emphasises the importance of letting go of attachments and desires in order to cultivate inner peace and harmony.
Fame or integrity: which is more important?
Money or happiness: which is more valuable?
Success or failure: which is more destructive?
If you look to others for fulfilment,
you will never truly be fulfilled.
If your happiness depends on money,
you will never be happy with yourself.
Be content with what you have;
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realise there is nothing lacking,
the whole world belongs to you.
(Tao Te Ching: Chapter 44)
In Sufism, the concept of “fana” or “annihilation of the self” is central to the practice of letting go. This involves surrendering one’s ego and personal desires in order to merge with the divine will. The poetry of the renowned Sufi mystic, Rumi, often explores the theme of letting go and surrendering to the divine.
“Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love.
It will not lead you astray.”
Or
“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the
barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
In Christianity, letting go is often framed as surrendering to God’s will and trusting in divine providence.
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds in the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they are? Can any of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:25-27)
Or
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Lo, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21)
The practice of letting go is central to many spiritual traditions around the world. While the specific language and practices may differ across traditions, the underlying message is the same: letting go is a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-discovery.
Many psychologists and philosophers have also explored the concept of letting go outside of religious contexts.
Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, believed that letting go of attachments was crucial for psychological growth and individuation. He emphasised the importance of letting go of the “persona,” or the mask we wear in society, in order to discover our true selves.
“I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become.”
Or
“Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.”
Eckhart Tolle, a contemporary spiritual teacher and author, has written extensively about letting go of attachments and living in the present moment. His teachings often draw on psychological principles and focus on the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness.
“Sometimes letting things go is an act of far greater power
than defending or hanging on.”
Or
“The past has no power over the present moment.”
Brené Brown, a research professor and author, has also written about letting go of perfectionism and embracing vulnerability. She argues that letting go of the need to control and be perfect is essential for cultivating authentic connections and living wholeheartedly.
“You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort,
but you cannot choose both.”
Or
“Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day.
It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest.
The choice to let our true selves be seen.”
Stoicism in Greek and Roman philosophy emphasises the importance of letting go of attachments and cultivating inner peace and resilience. Stoic philosophers believed that true happiness comes from within and that external events should not have power over our inner state.
Epictetus (Stoic Philosopher):
“Don’t demand or expect that events happen as you would wish them to. Accept events as they actually happen. That way, peace is possible.”
Another quote from Marcus Aurelius (Stoic Philosopher and Roman Emperor):
“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realise this, and you will find strength.”
These examples show that thinkers and practitioners explored and advocated the concept of letting go across history and various disciplines. Whether in the realm of psychology, philosophy, or personal development, the message remains the same: letting go of attachments and cultivating inner peace and resilience is essential for living a fulfilling and authentic life.
Cultivating the Habit of Letting Go
Letting go is a skill that can be cultivated through practice. One way to start is by living in the present moment instead of the past or the future. Mindfulness meditation can help with developing this skill.
Another approach is to practise gratitude. This helps to shift our focus away from what we dislike toward what we are thankful for.
Finally, we can surround ourselves with supportive people who understand and encourage us to “let go” and live fully.
Letting go is a lifelong practice that requires patience, courage, and compassion. Some Buddhists believe it could take several life-times. This practice, though difficult, is worth pursuing for anyone seeking greater joy, purpose, and fulfilment.
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