Shih-fu: Is a person who has seen his self-nature a common person, or is he a saintly person or sage?

Student: During the time the eye remains open, which may be a day or a week or a month, he would be a sage. But after it closes, he would be a common person again.

Shih-fu: Actually, the person who has had that experience is the same as a common person. He still has the same vexations. At least now, however, he'll be more aware of vexations as they arise.

These questions address situations which can be dangerous. For instance, a person who has had this experience may believe that he no longer has any vexations, and that he is truly liberated. When vexations do appear, he'll then doubt that the experience was really of any value. It's also possible that, even after vexations reappear, the person may deceive himself and others by acting like a saintly person.

There are three ways for a teacher to help a person like this. One way is to let the person know that although his kensho is good, it is still shallow. It is like a baby bird who knows enough to open its mouth to eat, but who has yet to grow feathers. How can it think of flying at this point?