The Case The National Teacher Cho called his attendant three times, and three times the attendant responded. The NationaI Teacher said, “I …

The Case Zen master Unmon said, ‘The world is vast and wide; Why do you put on your seven-piece robe at sound …

The Case Tozan came to study with Ummon. Ummon asked, “Where are you from?” “From Sato,” Tozan replied. “Where were you during …

The Case Zen master Nansen saw monks of the Eastern and Western halls quarreling over a cat. He held up the cat …

The Case One day Tokusan went down toward the dining room, holding his bowls. Seppo met him and asked, ”Where are you …

The Case Zen master Zuigan called to himself every day, “Master!” and answered, “Yes, sir!” Then he would say, “Be wide awake!” …

The Case Joshu went to a hermit’s cottage and asked, “Is the master in? Is the master in?” The hermit raised his …

The Case The monk Seizei said to zen master Sozan, “Seizei is utterly destitute. Will you give him support?” Sozan called out, …

The Case A monk asked Kyo Seije, “Daitsu Chisho Buddha sat in zazen for ten kalpas and could not attain Buddhahood. He …

The Case Zen master Gettan said, “Keicha, the first wheelmaker, made a cart whose wheels had a hundred spokes. Now, suppose you …

The Case A monk said to Joshu, “I have just entered this monastery. Please teach me.” “Have you eaten your rice porridge?” …

The Case When Shakyamuni Buddha was at Mount Grdhrakuta, he held out a flower to his listeners. Everyone was silent. Only Mahakashyapa …

The Case Zen master Kyogen said, “It is like a man up in a tree hanging from a branch with his mouth; …

The Case Master Wakuan said, “Why has the Western Barbarian no beard?” Mumon’s Comment Study should be real study, enlightenment should be …

The Case Whenever master Gutei was asked about Zen, he simply raised his finger. Once a visitor asked Gutei’s boy attendant, “What …

The Case Whenever Master Hyakujo preached the law, an old man would appear and listen with the monks. If they left, he …