Can a disciple discern the levels of enlightenment, and will his Shih-fu know when he has gone deeper? Certainly, if a student has made some genuine progress, the feeling will be very distinct. It's as distinct as the difference between night and day. The student should know if he has made a genuine step. Of course, his Shih-fu should be able to tell also. Otherwise he is not a very good master. Furthermore, someone who has had deep experiences can usually tell that one kung-an belongs to a certain level and another to a different level. Even within the same kung-an, the phrases and sentences may reveal different levels of meaning.

One who has worked hard enough to get to the door of Ch'an knows not what he eats, can't see what's before him, hears nothing, needs no sleep. Until he enters, this stage is called "ignoring reality." After he enters the door for the first time, he returns to a more normal mental state. Any feelings of pride or inferiority he had before will be greatly diminished.

In one kung-an the question is asked: "What are nuns?" And the answer given is "Nuns are women." This is a common sense, straightforward answer. If it comes from an average person there's nothing strange about it, but if it comes from one who has practiced very hard and entered the door of Ch'an, then it actually indicates some level of enlightenment. But it is not necessarily a deep level of enlightenment. One student, after a lot of hard work, finally got through the door. I asked her, "Where are you?" She answered, "I am here." "What are you sitting on?" "I'm sitting on a chair." This is not deep enlightenment, but she has entered the door of Ch'an. She has gone from "ignoring reality" to a more normal state.