Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 31 – Zen Master Joshu Investigates an Old Woman
The Case A monk asked an old woman, “What is the way to Taisan?” The old woman said, “Go straight on.” When …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 30 – Zen Master Baso’s ”This Very Mind Is the Buddha”
The Case Daibai asked Baso, “What is the Buddha?” Baso answered, “This very mind is the Buddha.” Mumon’s Comment If you directly …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 29 – The Sixth Patriarch’s ”Your Mind Moves”
The Case The wind was flapping a temple flag, and two monks started an argument. One said the flag moved, the other …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 28 – Zen Master Ryutan Blows Out the Candle
The Case Tokusan asked zen master Ryutan about Zen far into the night. At last Ryutan said, “The night is late. Why …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 27 – Zen Master Nansen’s “Not Mind, Not Buddha, Not Things”
The Case A monk asked zen master Nansen, “Is there any – that has not been preached to the people?” Nansen answered, …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 26 – Two Monks Roll Up the Blinds
The Case When the monks assembled before the midday meal to listen to the lecture, the great Hogen of Seiryo pointed at …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 25 – Zen Master Kyozan’s Dream
The Case In a dream zen master Kyozan went to Maitreya’ s place and was led in to sit in the third …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 24 – Fuketsu’s Speech and Silence – Zen Koan & Mysticism
The Case A monk asked zen master Fuketsu, “Both speech and silence are faulty in being ri or bi. How can we …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 23 – Think Neither Good Nor Evil – Zen Koan & Mysticism
The Case The Sixth Patriarch was pursued by the monk Myo as far as Taiyu Mountain. The patriarch, seeing Myo coming, laid …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 22 – Kashyapa’s “Knock down the FlagPole” – Zen Koan & Mysticism
The Case Ananda asked Kashyapa, “Th World-honored One gave you the golden robe; did he give you anything else?” “Anandal” cried Kashyapa. …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 21 – Zen Master Ummon’s “Kanshiketsu” (Shit-Stick)
The Case A monk asked zen master Unmon, “What is Buddha?” Unmon replied “Kanshiketsu (shit-stick)!” Mumon’s Comment Zen master Ummon was too …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 20 – The Man of Great Strength
The Case Zen master Shogen asked, “Why is it that a man of great strength does not lift his legs?” And he …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 19 – Zen Master Nansen’s “Ordinary Mind Is the Way”
The Case Zen monk Joshu asked zen master Nansen, “What is the Way?” “Ordinary mind is the Way,” Nansen replied. “Shall I …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 18 – Zen Master Tozan’ s “Masagin”
The Case A monk asked Tozan, ”What is Buddha?” Tozan replied, “Masagin [three pounds of flax]. Mumon’s Comment Old Tozan attained the …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 17 – Cho the National Teacher Gives Three Calls
The Case The National Teacher Cho called his attendant three times, and three times the attendant responded. The NationaI Teacher said, “I …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 16 – When the Bell sounds
The Case Zen master Unmon said, ‘The world is vast and wide; Why do you put on your seven-piece robe at sound …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 15 – Zen Master Tozan’s Sixty Blows
The Case Tozan came to study with Ummon. Ummon asked, “Where are you from?” “From Sato,” Tozan replied. “Where were you during …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 14 – Zen Master Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
The Case Zen master Nansen saw monks of the Eastern and Western halls quarreling over a cat. He held up the cat …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 13 – Zen Master Tokusan Holds His Bowls
The Case One day Tokusan went down toward the dining room, holding his bowls. Seppo met him and asked, ”Where are you …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 12 – Zen Master Zuigan Calls His Master
The Case Zen master Zuigan called to himself every day, “Master!” and answered, “Yes, sir!” Then he would say, “Be wide awake!” …