In this lump of red flesh lives a true person of no rank.

What it means

Inside your ordinary body is someone with no title, no status and no label, going in and out through your face all day. Linji wants you to notice that one. You are more than your rank.

The source

"In this lump of red flesh lives a true person of no rank." Linji said it in Record of Linji, first address. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

"赤肉團上有一無位真人，常從汝等諸人面門出入"

Original Chinese, Record of Linji, first address. Text read at zh.wikisource.org.

Who said it

The Zen masters (6th–13th century). Bodhidharma, Huineng, Linji, Zhaozhou, Yunmen, Wumen and Dogen: the Chan and Zen teachers whose sayings, koans and records shaped the school of sudden awakening. Our lines are translated from the Chinese and Japanese originals.

Questions

What does "In this lump of red flesh lives a true person of no rank." mean?

Inside your ordinary body is someone with no title, no status and no label, going in and out through your face all day. Linji wants you to notice that one. You are more than your rank.

Who said "In this lump of red flesh lives a true person of no rank."?

Linji (6th–13th century). Source: Record of Linji, first address.

What is the original Chinese?

赤肉團上有一無位真人，常從汝等諸人面門出入. Translated from the original Chinese by Spartan Surfers.

Is "In this lump of red flesh lives a true person of no rank." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 6 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"In this lump of red flesh lives a true person of no rank." (Linji, Record of Linji, first address, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/in-this-lump-of-red-flesh-lives-a