We took a bus to the nearby monastery of one of the last great Tang dynasty Chan masters, Yun-men. Yun-men was known for his pithy “one word” Zen. When asked “What is the highest teaching of the Buddha?” he replied: “An appropriate statement.” On another occasion, he answered: “Cake.” I admired his directness. Stephen Batchelor
About This Quote

As in: The teachings of the Buddha can be distilled in a single word: “an appropriate statement.” I admired his directness.

Source: Confession Of A Buddhist Atheist

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