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Exponents of Zen often insist that very early Zen doctrine opposed the rampant supernaturalism of China, and proposed instead a more mature, less credulous view of the universe.

In support of this, stories from the early literature are cited to show that Zen attacks the idea of supernatural power.

But actually these accounts reveal the supernatural powers that the masters were in fact supposed to possess, as well as the extreme degree of popular credulity: `` Hwang Pah ( O Baku ), one day going up Mount Tien Tai which was believed to have been inhabited by Arhats with supernatural powers, met with a monk whose eyes emitted strange light.

They went along the pass talking with each other for a short while until they came to a river roaring with torrent.

There being no bridge, the master had to stop at the shore ; ;

but his companion crossed the river walking on the water and beckoned to Hwang Pah to follow him.

Thereupon Hwang Pah said: `` If I knew thou art an Arhat, I would have doubled you up before thou got over there ''!!

The monk then understood the spiritual attainment of Hwang Pah, and praised him as a true Mahayanist.

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