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!” …
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 …
House and Yard – O God, you also created the useful domestic animals as a consolation and reward for our efforts and work
House and yard from my grandfather’s prayer book (Men in prayer). Prayer against Livestock Diseases 1. Supplication O God, you also created …
Sickness and Death – Every day of my short life should be important to me. I can’t do good without being good myself
Sickness and Death from my grandfather’s prayer book (Men in prayer). Prayer for a Sick Person Holy Lord, Father Almighty, Eternal God; …