Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 83 – Zen-Master Ummon “The Old Buddha Communes with the Pillar”
The Case Zen master Ummon spoke to his disciples and said, “The old Buddha communes with the pillar. What level of spiritual …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 82 – Zen-Master Tairyu “Indestructible – Body”
The Case A monk said to zen master Tairyu, ‘Man’s body will ultimately decompose; what is the indestructible – body?’ Tairyu said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 81 – Zen Master Yakusan “King of the King Deer”
The Case A monk said to zen master Yakusan, ‘On the grassy plain there is a herd of deer, with the king …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 80 – Zen Master Joshu “A Newborn Baby”
The Case A monk asked zen master Joshu, ‘Does a newborn baby possess the six senses or not?’ Joshu said, ‘It is …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 79 – Zen Master Tosu “Every Voice Is the Buddha’s Voice”
The Case A monk said to zen master Tosu, ‘It is said ‘Every voice is the Buddhas voice. Is that true?” Tosu …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 78 – Enlightened Ones in the Bath
The Case In ancient times, there were sixteen Enlightened Ones. At the monks’ bathtime, following the rule, they had baths. They suddenly …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 77 – Zen Master Ummon “Sesame Bun”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, ‘What is the teaching that transcends god and patriarchs?’ Ummon said, ‘A sesame bun. …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 76 – Zen Master Tanka “Have You Had Your Dinner?”
The Case Zen master Tanka asked a monk, “Where are you from?” The monk replied, From the foot of the mountain.” Tanka …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 75 – Zen Master Ukyu’s “Unfair Blows”
The Case A monk came from zen master Joshu’s assembly to Ukyo, who said to him, “What do you find in Joshu’s …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 74 – Zen Master Kingyu and the Rice Pail
The Case At every midday mealtime, zen master Kingyu would himself bring the pail of boiled rice and, in front of the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 73 – Zen Master Baso and the Hundred Negations
The Case A monk said to zen master Baso, ‘Independent of the four propositions and transcending the hundred negations, tell me plainly …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 72 – Zen Master Ungan “Do You Have Them or Not?”
The Case Zen master Hyakujo asked Ungan, ‘With your mouth and lips closed, how would you say it?’ Ungan said, ‘Master, do …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 71 – Zen Master Goho “Shut Up!”
The Case Zen master Hyakujo said to Goho, ‘With your mouth and lips dosed, how would you say it?’ Goho said, ‘Master …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 70 – Zen Master Isan “I Would Ask You to Say It!”
The Case Zen master Isan, Goho, and Ungan were standing together in attendance on Hyakujo. Hyakujo said to Isan, “With your mouth …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 69 – Zen Master Nansen Draws a Circle
The Case Zen master Nansen, Kisu, and Mayoku were on their way together to pay their respects to Chu Kokushi. When they …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 68 – Zen Master Kyozan Asks Sansho’s Name
The Case Zen Master Kyozan asked Sansho, ‘What is your name?’ Sansho said, ‘Ejaku!’ Kyozan said, ‘Ejaku is my name!’ Sansho said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 67 – Zen Master Fu Concludes His Lecture on the Scriptures
The Case Emperor Wu of Liang asked zen master Fu to give a lecture on the Scriptures. Fu mounted the platform, struck …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 66 – Zen Master Ganto Laughed Loudly
The Case Zen master Ganto asked a monk, ‘Where are you from?’ The monk said, ‘From the western capital.’ Ganto said, ‘After …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 65 – A Philosopher Questions the Buddha
The Case A non-Buddhist philosopher said to the Buddha, “I do not ask for words; I do not ask for non- words.” …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 64 – Zen Master Joshu Puts His Sandals on His Head
The Case Zen Master Nansen told the previous story [Case 63] to Joshu and asked his opinion. Joshu then took off his …