If you meet the Buddha, DON't kill the Buddha

http://www.kwanumzen.com/pzc/newsletter/v09n10-1997-oct.html

The problem with those who wrongly interpret Zen is that they they are caught in a stale-mate between the 2 polarities. But there always exists an upward transcendental thrust that has a definite direction when the 2 polarities cancel each other and so oxy-morons like this..."If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha. If you meet a Patriarch, kill the Patriarch." don't really make much sense.

At some places, this quote is even attributed to the Buddha! Imagine the Buddha recommending His own assasination...LOL

The Buddha said, "Do not accept anything by mere tradition. Do not accept anything just because it accords with your scriptures. Do not accept anything because it agrees with your opinions or because it is socially acceptable. Do not accept anything because it comes from the mouth of a respected person. Rather, observe closely and if it is to the benefit of all, accept and abide by it."

The above is a plain, harmless, common-sense advice of the Buddha which has been unnecessarily extrapolated.

If you meet the Buddha or for that matter Jesus or Krishna or Moses or Mohammad, don't kill them. Just don't be enamoured by them, thank them for paying a visit, reduce their huge, larger than life size and pocket them in your heart...that way you will get their strength and one-day become one of them. These people answered nature's calls in their times but they also went ahead to answer God's calls.