Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 11 – Zen Master Joshu Sees the Hermits
The Case Joshu went to a hermit’s cottage and asked, “Is the master in? Is the master in?” The hermit raised his …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 10 – Zen Master Seizei Is Utterly Destitute
The Case The monk Seizei said to zen master Sozan, “Seizei is utterly destitute. Will you give him support?” Sozan called out, …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 9 – Daitsu Chisho Buddha
The Case A monk asked Kyo Seije, “Daitsu Chisho Buddha sat in zazen for ten kalpas and could not attain Buddhahood. He …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 8 – Keichu the Wheelmaker
The Case Zen master Gettan said, “Keicha, the first wheelmaker, made a cart whose wheels had a hundred spokes. Now, suppose you …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 7 – Zen Master Joshu’s “Wash Your Bowl”
The Case A monk said to Joshu, “I have just entered this monastery. Please teach me.” “Have you eaten your rice porridge?” …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 6 – The Buddha Holds Out a Flower
The Case When Shakyamuni Buddha was at Mount Grdhrakuta, he held out a flower to his listeners. Everyone was silent. Only Mahakashyapa …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 5 – Zen Master Kyogen’s “Man up in a Tree”
The Case Zen master Kyogen said, “It is like a man up in a tree hanging from a branch with his mouth; …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 4 – The Western Barbarian with No Beard
The Case Master Wakuan said, “Why has the Western Barbarian no beard?” Mumon’s Comment Study should be real study, enlightenment should be …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 3 – Zen Master Gutei’s Finger
The Case Whenever master Gutei was asked about Zen, he simply raised his finger. Once a visitor asked Gutei’s boy attendant, “What …
Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case Nr. 2 – Zen Master Hyakujo and the Fox
The Case Whenever Master Hyakujo preached the law, an old man would appear and listen with the monks. If they left, he …