Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 28 – Zen Master Nansen’s “What the Holy Ones Have Not Preached”
The Case Zen master Nansen came to see Hyakujo. Hyakujo said, “Is there any Law that the holy ones have not preached …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 27 – Zen Master Ummon’s “Golden Breeze”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, ”What will it be when trees wither and leaves fall?” Ummon said, ‘You embody …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 26 – Zen Master Hyakujo Sits on the Great Sublime Peak
The Case A monk asked zen master Hyakujo, ‘What is the mostwonderful thing?’ Hyakujo said, ‘I sit alone on this Great Sublime …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 25 – The Master of Rengeho’s Staff
The Case The master of the hermitage held out his staff and said to his disciples, “When, in olden times, a man …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 24 – Zen Nun, the Old Female Buffalo!
The Case Zen Nun Ryutetsuma came to zen master Isan. Isan said, “Old Female Buffalo, so you have come!” Tetsuma said, ”Tomorrow …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 23 – Zen Master Hofuku’s Marvelous Mountain Top
The Case When zen master Hofuku and Chokei went out for a walk, Hofuku, pointing with his finger, said, ‘This is Myohocho …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 22 – Zen Master Seppo’s Turtle-nosed Snake
The Case Zen master Seppo, speaking to the assembly,said, “There is a turtle-nosed snake on the South Mountain. You should have a …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 21 – Zen Master Chimon’ s Lotus Flower and Lotus Leaves
The Case A monk asked zen master Chimon, ‘What will the lotus flower be when it has not yet come out of …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 20 – Zen Master Ryuge Asks Suibi and Zen Master Rinzai
The Case Ryuge asked zen master Suibi, “What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West?” Suibi said, “Pass me the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 19 – Zen Master Gutei’s “One Finger Zen”
The Case Zen master Gutei, whenever he was asked a question, only raised a finger. Engo’s Introduction When even one particle stirs, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 18 – Emperor Shukuso Asks About the Style of the Pagoda
The Case Emperor Shukuso asked Cho Kokushi, “You are a hundred years old, what shall I do for you?” Kokushi answered: “Make …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 17 – Zen Master Kyorin’s “Sitting Long and Getting Tired”
The Case A monk asked zen master Kyorin, ‘What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West?” Kyorin said, ‘Sitting long …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 16 – Zen Master Kyosei’s Instruction on Pecking and Tapping
The Case A monk said to zen master Kyosei, ‘I want to peck from the inside. Would you please tap from the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 15 – Zen Master Ummon’s “No Preaching on Oneness”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, ‘What is it when no thought is stirring and nothing presents itself?’ Ummon said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 14 – Zen Master Ummon’s ”Preaching Facing Oneness”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, ”What is the teaching of the Buddha’s lifetime?’ Ummon said, ‘Preaching facing oneness. Engo’s …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 13 – Zen Master Haryo’s “Snow in the Silver Bowl”
The Case A monk asked zen master Haryo, ‘What is the Daiba school?’ Haryo said, ‘Snow in the silver bowl Engo’s Introduction …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 12 – Zen Master Tozan’s “Masagin”
The Case A monk asked zen master Tozan, ‘What is Buddha?’ Tozan said, ‘Masagin! [three pounds of flax]. Engo’s Introduction The death-dealing …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 11 – Zen Master Obaku’s “Partakers of Brewer’s Grain”
The Case Zen master Obaku addressed the assembly and said, ‘You are all partakers of brewer’s grain. If you go on studying …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 10 – Zen Master Bokusha’s “Empty-headed Fool”
The Case Zen master Bokushu asked a monk, ‘Where are you from?’ The monk gave a shout. Bokushu said, “This old monk …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 9 – Zen Master Joshu’ s Four Gates
The Case A monk (with the nearby city of Joshu in mind) asked the master of the same name, deliberately omitting the …