Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 37 – Zen Master Joshu’s Oak Tree
The Case A monk asked zen master Joshu, “What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming to China?” Joshu said, “The oak tree …
Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 36 – When You Meet a Man of the Way
The Casee Zen master Goso said, “When you meet a man of the Way on the path, do not meet him with …
Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 35 – Seijo’s Soul Separated
The Case Zen Master Goso said to his monks, “Seijo’s soul separated from her being. Which was the real Seijo?” Mumon’s Comment …
Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 34 – Zen Master Nansen’s “Reason Is Not the Way”
The Case Zen master Nansen said, “Mind is not the Buddha; reason is not the Way.” Mumon’s Comment Nansen, growing old, had …
Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 33 – Zen Master Baso’s “No Mind, No Buddha”
The Case A monk asked Baso “What is the Buddha?” Baso answered, “No mind no Buddha.” Mumon’s Comment If you understand this, …
Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 32 – A Non-Buddhist 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 & 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 – Cookies of Zen – Case 2 – “The Iron Wheel”
The Case This Hwa-Du (Koan), which is very important for the new disciple, was originally often asked by Venerable Master Song-Wol. “Almighty …
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 …