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 …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 8 – Zen Master Suigan’s Eyebrows
The Case Zen Master Suigan, at the end of the summer session, spoke to the assembly and said, “During the summer session …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 7 – Zen Master Hogen’s “You are Echo”
The Case A monk said to zen master Hogen, “My name is Echo. I ask you, what is the Buddha?” Hogen said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 5 – Zen Master Ummon’s “Every Day Is a Good Day”
The Case Zen master Ummon addressed the assembly and said, “I am not asking you about the days before the fifteenth of …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 5 – Zen Master Seppo’s “A Grain of Rice”
The Case Zen master Seppo addressed the assembly and said, “All the great world, if I pick it up with my fingertips, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 4 – Zen Master Tokusan visits Isan
The Case The wandering scholar Tokusan came to the monastery of the Zen master Isan. With the bundle under his arm he …
Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 3 – Zen Master Baso’s “Sun-faced Buddha, Moon-faced Buddha”
The Case The great zen master Baso was seriously ill. The chief priest of the temple came to pay his respects. He …