Iron Bars of Nonunderstanding

From a text exchange with a student and Zen Master Jok Um.

Student: 
Total freedom
No desires
🙏

Zen Master Jok Um: 
What is the object of your no desires?

Student: 
I don't understand

ZMJU: 
Mmmmmmm. Is wanting to understand a desire?

Student: 
A lack of understanding is the iron bars of nonunderstanding.
Wanting to understand is the key hole.
No desire to understand creates the universal vastness within the 6x8 cell.
This inmate thinks the warden has been puffing the cigar a little too hard 🙏

ZMJU: 
Got an ashtray?

Student: 
We're on a bridge. Flick it and watch the ash flow merrily merrily merrily down the stream.
After all, life is but a passing dream within the twilight of a sleeping Tathagata.

ZMJU: 
Congratulations. Out of the cell onto the bridge. Enjoy the spring.

Student:
🙂

ZMJU: 
Thanks. May I share this anonymously?

Student:
Yes. It's Dharma so it's offered to all sentient beings.

ZMJU: 
Thanks.