There is a famous Ch'an saying stating that in the beginning, before one practices, mountains are mountains and rivers are rivers. Then as one penetrates the practice, at a certain point, mountains are no longer mountains and rivers are no longer rivers. In the end, mountains are again mountains and rivers are again rivers. The ninth picture describes the stage where mountains are again mountains and rivers are again rivers.

The mountains and rivers that were perceived before one started the practice and those that are perceived now are the same, with one very important difference. Before enlightenment they were perceived with a mind of discrimination and attachment. Now there is no attachment. At this level, all things can be used to help sentient beings on the path to enlightenment.

There was a disciple, Yan-shan, who asked Master Wei-shan, "If myriad phenomena suddenly appeared before you, what would you do?"

The master replied, "Green is not yellow, long is not short. Each dharma abides in its own place. It has nothing to do with me." That is to say, phenomena are perceived, but they have no relation to an enlightened being. However, if this is not fully understood, it can cause problems. Some people go astray and do things which are not correct. They see everything as being the same, but it is not that way. Other people's wives and husbands are still other people's wives and husbands; other people's money is still other people's money. Worldly conventions are still valid. We should not disregard them. In the ninth stage, all phenomena are just as they are. We don't treat them in a haphazard, reckless manner.