During the January Yong Maeng Jon Jin, Seung Sahn Soen-sa went for a walk with some of his students. It had been snowing the day before. Soen-sa asked one student, "What color is this snow?'' The student said, "White."
Soen-sa said, ''You have an attachment to color."
The student clapped his hands.
Soen-sa said, "Your head is a dragon, but your tail is a snake.''
He then asked another student, "What color is this snow?''
The student said, "You already understand.''
Soen-sa said, "I don't know.''
The student said, "It's white."
Soen-sa said, "Is this the truth?''
The student said, "Aren't you hungry?''
Soen-sa said, "Soon it will be time for lunch.''
Another student said, ''Go drink some tea.''
Soen-sa said, "I've already had some."
The student hit Soen-sa. Soen-sa said, "Aie! Aie!"