Public study library
Five collections.
322 cases.
Read the koan collections freely, move case by case, and follow linked teacher names into the public teacher directory.
No account is required. Each adaptation appears only after editorial review.The cases
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322 cases
Preliminary practice
Miscellaneous Koans
Preliminary koans studied before The Gateless Gate
- CASE 1Three Opening KoansWhat is Mu? What is the origin of Mu? What is the sound of one hand? Zen training commonly kicks off with the koan commonly known as Joshū's dog, whi…→
- CASE 2The Distant Temple BellTry stopping the sound of a distant temple bell. Another version of this koan reads "'Stop the cries of birds and beasts, the sound of the flute, and…→
- CASE 3Stop a Boat Sailing ByStop a boat sailing by out on the open sea→
- CASE 4Save a GhostSave a ghost→
- CASE 5Count the StarsCount the stars in the heavens→
- CASE 6The Undug WellIn a well that has not been dug, water is rippling from a spring that does not flow; there, someone with no shadow or form is drawing the water→
- CASE 7The Brook and the Birda) Slowly I wade in a brook and extinguish its sound b) Freely I watch a flying bird and sketch the track of its flight→
- CASE 8The Stone in the Sea of IseIn the sea of Ise, ten thousand feet down, lies a single stone; I wish to pick up that stone without wetting my hands→
- CASE 9Empty HandsWith empty hands take hold of a plow Walking, ride a water buffalo Crossing a bridge, the bridge flows, the water is motionless→
- CASE 10The Narrow Mountain PathTo be true to myself, I must go straight on a narrow mountain path that has ninety-nine curves→
- CASE 11Lotus Leaves and Water-Nutsa) The leaves of the lotus are round, round, rounder than a mirror b) The edge of the water-nut is sharp, sharp, sharper than an awl c) When the win…→
- CASE 12Mount Godaia) On Mount Godai a cloud is cooking rice b) In front of an old Buddhist shrine a dog is pissing toward heaven→
- CASE 13The One Peak Not Whitea) A thousand mountains are covered with snow. b) Why is only one peak not white?→
- CASE 14Shōgen’s Three Turning Wordsa) Why is it that the Man of Great Strength (Buddha) does not lift up his leg? b) Without using your tongue, speak. c) How is it that the crimson li…→
- CASE 15Ōryū’s Three Turning Wordsa) How does my hand compare with the Buddha's hand? b) How does my leg compare with a donkey's leg? c) All people have their own karmic birthplace. …→
- CASE 16Tosotsu’s Three Barriersa) The purpose of making one’s way through grasses And asking a Master about the subtle truth Is only to realize one’s self-nature. Now you venerable …→
- CASE 17Kido’s Three Barriersa) How is it that someone whose eyes are not opened, puts on clothes and skirts made of empty sky? b) How is it that someone who surveys land and dig…→
- CASE 18Jōshū’s Three Turning Wordsa) The Buddha made of wood will not pass through fire; if he does, he will surely be burnt b) The Buddha made of clay will not pass through water; if…→
- CASE 19From the Diamond Sutraa) “Thus I hear.” b) “All the Buddhas and the Buddhas' dharma of the Supreme Way arise from this sutra.” What is this sutra? c) “In this dharma ever…→
- CASE 20From the Fukan Zazengia) The way of the Buddha is intrinsically accomplished and perfect. b) The principle of our Zen school is complete freedom. c) If there is only a bi…→
- CASE 21Haryō’s Three Turning Wordsa) What is the Deva Sect? “Piling up snow in a silver bowl.” b) What is the Way? “A clearly enlightened monk falls into a well.” c) What is the shar…→
Gateless Barrier
Mumonkan / Wumenguan
The Gateless Gate
- CASE 1Jōshū's DogCase A monk asked Master Jōshū, “Does a dog have buddha-nature?” Jōshū said, “No.”[^1] Mumon's commentary Mumon said: To investigate Zen, you must …→
- CASE 2Hyakujō's Wild FoxCase Whenever the assembly came to Master Hyakujō for instruction, an old man was there, regularly following the assembly and listening to the teachin…→
- CASE 3Gutei Raises a FingerCase Whenever anyone challenged Master Gutei with a question, he only raised one finger. Later, a boy attendant was asked by a visitor, “What essenti…→
- CASE 4The Foreigner Has No BeardCase Wakuan said, “Why does the foreigner from the Western Regions have no beard?”[^1] Mumon's commentary Mumon said: Inquiry must be real inquiry; …→
- CASE 5Kyōgen Up a TreeCase Master Kyōgen said: “It is like someone up a tree, his teeth clamped on a branch. His hands grasp no branch; his feet touch no part of the tree.…→
- CASE 6The World-Honored One Holds Up a FlowerCase Once, at the assembly on Vulture Peak, the World-Honored One held up a flower and showed it to the gathering. Everyone remained silent. Only Vene…→
- CASE 7Jōshū: “Wash Your Bowl”Case A monk asked Jōshū, “I have only just entered the monastery. I beg you, Master, please instruct me.” Jōshū said, “Have you eaten your rice gruel…→
- CASE 8Keichū Makes a CartCase Master Yue'an asked a monk: “Keichū made a cart with a hundred spokes. Take away both ends and remove the axle—what matter does this make clear?…→
- CASE 9Great Penetrating Wisdom ExcellenceCase A monk asked Master Kōyō Rang: “The Buddha Great Penetrating Wisdom Excellence sat at the place of awakening for ten kalpas. The Buddha-Dharma d…→
- CASE 10Seizei, Alone and PoorCase A monk said to Master Sōzan: “I, Seizei, am alone and destitute. I beg you, Master, give me relief.” Sōzan said, “Ācārya Seizei!” Seizei answe…→
- CASE 11Jōshū Examines Two HermitsCase Jōshū went to a hermit's dwelling and asked, “Is it here? Is it here?” The hermit raised his fist. Jōshū said, “The water is shallow—not a plac…→
- CASE 12Zuigan Calls “Master!”Case Every day Master Zuigan Yan would call to himself, “Master!” He would answer himself, “Yes?” Then he would say, “Stay wide awake!” “Yes.” “La…→
- CASE 13Tokusan Carries His BowlsCase One day Tokusan, carrying his bowls, came down to the hall. Seppō asked, “Old fellow—the bell has not rung and the drum has not sounded. Where ar…→
- CASE 14Nansen Cuts the CatCase The monks of the east and west halls were fighting over a cat. Nansen held it up and said, “If you can say it, you will save it. If you cannot, I…→
- CASE 15Tōzan's Three BlowsCase When Tōzan came to study, Unmon asked where he had come from, where he spent the summer, and when he left. Tōzan answered, “Chadu,” “Baozi in Hun…→
- CASE 16The Bell and the Seven-Panel RobeCase Unmon said, “The world is so vast and wide. Why do you put on your seven-panel robe within the sound of the bell?”[^1] Wumen's commentary In stu…→
- CASE 17The Nan’yō Echū's Three CallsCase The Nan’yō Echū called his attendant three times, and the attendant answered three times. The Nan’yō Echū said, “I had thought I was failing you…→
- CASE 18Tōzan's Three Pounds of HempCase A monk asked Tōzan, “What is Buddha?” Tōzan said, “Three pounds of hemp.”[^1] Wumen's commentary Old Tōzan had studied a bit of clam Zen: the m…→
- CASE 19Ordinary Mind Is the WayCase Jōshū asked, “What is the Way?” Nansen said, “Ordinary mind is the Way.” “Can one direct oneself toward it?” “The moment you intend to move to…→
- CASE 20A Person of Great StrengthCase Songyuan said, “Why can't a person of great strength lift a foot?” He also said, “Opening the mouth does not depend on the tongue.” Mumon's comm…→
- CASE 21Unmon's Dried Shit-StickCase A monk asked Unmon, “What is Buddha?” Unmon said, “A dried shit-stick.”[^1] Wumen's commentary Unmon may be said to live in a household so poor…→
- CASE 22Kāśyapa's FlagpoleCase Ānanda asked Kāśyapa, “Besides the gold-brocade robe, what else did the World-Honored One transmit to you?” Kāśyapa called, “Ānanda!” Ānanda an…→
- CASE 23Do Not Think Good or EvilCase Senior Ming pursued the Daikan Enō to Dayu Ridge. Seeing him arrive, the patriarch threw the robe and bowl onto a rock and said, “This robe is a …→
- CASE 24Apart from Words and SilenceCase A monk asked Fuketsu, “Speech and silence both implicate separation and subtlety. How can one pass through without transgressing either?” Fukets…→
- CASE 25Kyōzan Preaches from the Third SeatCase Kyōzan dreamed that he went to Maitreya's dwelling and was assigned the third seat. A venerable struck the gavel and announced, “Today the third …→
- CASE 26Two Monks Roll Up the BlindCase Before the meal, two monks came to interview Great Hōgen of Qingliang. Hōgen pointed at the blind. Both monks went and rolled it up. Hōgen said,…→
- CASE 27Not Mind, Not Buddha, Not a ThingCase A monk asked Nansen, “Is there a Dharma you have never spoken to anyone?” Nansen said, “There is.” The monk asked, “What is the Dharma you have…→
- CASE 28Long Heard of RyūtanCase Tokusan questioned Ryūtan late into the night. Ryūtan said, “It is late. Why don't you go down?” Tokusan lifted the blind to leave, saw the darkn…→
- CASE 29Not Wind, Not FlagCase As the wind raised a temple flag, two monks argued. One said, “The flag is moving.” The other said, “The wind is moving.” They went back and fort…→
- CASE 30This Mind Is BuddhaCase Daibai asked Baso, “What is Buddha?” Baso said, “This very mind is Buddha.” Wumen's commentary If you can receive this directly, you wear Buddh…→
- CASE 31Jōshū Examines the Old WomanCase A monk asked an old woman, “Which way is the road to Godaisan?” She said, “Go straight ahead.” After he had taken three or five steps, she said,…→
- CASE 32An Outsider Questions the BuddhaCase An outsider asked the World-Honored One, “I do not ask with words. I do not ask without words.” The World-Honored One remained seated. The outs…→
- CASE 33Not Mind, Not BuddhaCase A monk asked Baso, “What is Buddha?” Baso said, “Not mind, not Buddha.” Wumen's commentary If you see here, the work of inquiry and study is fi…→
- CASE 34Wisdom Is Not the WayCase Nansen said, “Mind is not Buddha. Wisdom is not the Way.” Wumen's commentary Nansen may be called an old man who does not know shame. The moment…→
- CASE 35Seijo's Soul Leaves Her BodyCase Wuzu asked a monk, “Seijo's soul left her body. Which one was the real Seijo?”[^1] Wumen's commentary If you realize the real one here, you will…→
- CASE 36Meeting One Who Has Attained the WayCase Wuzu said, “When you meet on the road someone who has attained the Way, do not meet him with speech or silence. Tell me: how will you meet him?” …→
- CASE 37The Cypress in the CourtyardCase A monk asked Jōshū, “What is the meaning of the ancestral teacher's coming from the west?” Jōshū said, “The cypress in the courtyard.”[^1] Wume…→
- CASE 38The Buffalo Passes Through the WindowCase Wuzu said, “It is like a water buffalo passing through a latticed window. Its head, horns, and four hooves have all passed through. Why can't its…→
- CASE 39Unmon's Verbal FallCase A monk asked Unmon, “Radiant light shines silently over worlds countless as river sands—” Before he finished, Unmon said abruptly, “Isn't that a …→
- CASE 40Kicking Over the Water PitcherCase When Isan was head cook in Hyakujō's community, Hyakujō sought a master to establish a monastery on Mount Gui. Before the assembly he set down a …→
- CASE 41Bodhidharma Pacifies the MindCase Bodhidharma sat facing a wall. The Second Patriarch stood in the snow, cut off his arm, and said, “My mind is not at peace. Master, please pacify…→
- CASE 42The Woman Emerges from SamādhiCase Once Mañjuśrī came to the place where the buddhas had assembled. Each had returned to his own dwelling; only a woman remained, seated near Śākyam…→
- CASE 43Shuzan's Bamboo SlatCase Shuzan held up a bamboo slat before the assembly and said, “If you call this a bamboo slat, you collide with it. If you do not call it a bamboo s…→
- CASE 44Bashō's StaffCase Bashō said to the assembly, “If you have a staff, I give you a staff. If you have no staff, I take your staff away.” Wumen's commentary It suppo…→
- CASE 45Who Is He?Case Master-ancestor Hōgen of Dongshan said, “Śākyamuni and Maitreya are still his servants. Tell me: who is he?”[^1] Wumen's commentary If you see h…→
- CASE 46Step Forward from the PoleCase Sekisō said, “How do you step forward from the top of a hundred-foot pole?” An elder of old also said, “One who sits atop a hundred-foot pole ma…→
- CASE 47Tosotsu's Three BarriersCase Tosotsu Yue set up three barriers for students: “You push aside the grass and investigate the mystery solely to see your nature. Right now, Vene…→
- CASE 48Kempō's One RoadCase A monk asked Kempō, “The Blessed Ones of the ten directions follow one road, the gate of nirvana. I do not know—where is that road?” Kempō raise…→
Blue Cliff Record
Hekiganroku / Biyan lu
The Blue Cliff Record
- CASE 1Emperor Wu Asks BodhidharmaCase Emperor Wu of Liang asked Great Master Bodhidharma: Engo: Listen to this inept fellow talk. “What is the highest meaning of the holy truths?”[^…→
- CASE 2The Highest Way Is Not DifficultCase Jōshū instructed the assembly: Engo: What is this old fellow doing? Do not start up these vines. “The highest way is not difficult.” Engo: Nei…→
- CASE 3Sun-Face Buddha, Moon-Face BuddhaCase Master Ma was unwell.[^1] Engo: This fellow has leaked quite a lot. He drags other people into it. The prior asked, “How has Your Reverence's h…→
- CASE 4Tokusan Carries His Travel BundleCase Tokusan arrived at Isan.[^1] Engo: A board-carrying fellow! A wild-fox spirit. With his travel bundle under his arm, he entered the Dharma hall…→
- CASE 5Seppō's Grain of RiceCase Seppō instructed the assembly: Engo: One blind person leading a crowd of blind people—nothing unusual. “Gather the whole earth up into a grain …→
- CASE 6Unmon's “Every Day Is a Good Day”Case Unmon set out these words: “I do not ask you about before the fifteenth day. Engo: Half south of the Yellow River, half north. Old calendars ar…→
- CASE 7Echō Asks About BuddhaCase A monk asked Hōgen: Engo: What is he saying? He carries a cangue and submits the charge. “Echō asks your counsel, Reverend: what is Buddha?” E…→
- CASE 8Suigan's EyebrowsCase At the end of the summer retreat, Suigan instructed the assembly: “All summer long I have spoken for you brothers. Engo: Once he opens his mout…→
- CASE 9Jōshū's Four GatesCase A monk asked Jōshū, “What is Jōshū?”[^2] Engo: North and south of the Yellow River—none can say it. A thorn in the mud. Not south: right north. …→
- CASE 10Bokushū's “After Three or Four Shouts”Case Bokushū asked a monk: Engo: A sounding pole, shadowing grass.[^1] “Where have you recently come from?” Engo: An expert pilgrim—do not pretend …→
- CASE 11Ōbaku's “No Zen Teachers”Case Ōbaku instructed the assembly: Engo: Fetching water, the basin obstructs him. He swallows it all in one gulp; no monk beneath heaven can leap ou…→
- CASE 12Tōzan's Three Pounds of HempCase A monk asked Tōzan, “What is Buddha?” Engo: An iron caltrop. No monk beneath heaven can leap out. Tōzan said, “Three jin of hemp.”[^1] Engo: P…→
- CASE 13Haryō's Silver Bowl Filled with SnowCase A monk asked Haryō, “What is the Kanadeva school?”[^1] Engo: A white horse enters reed flowers. What spot can you speak of? Haryō said, “Snow h…→
- CASE 14Unmon's “One Statement in Response”Case A monk asked Unmon, “What is the teaching of the Buddha's whole lifetime?”[^1] Engo: Unresolved to this day. The scripture lecturer does not und…→
- CASE 15Unmon's “One Statement, Inverted”Case A monk asked Unmon, “When it is not the working before the eyes, nor the affair before the eyes—what then?” Engo: Why jump about? Fall back thre…→
- CASE 16Kyōsei's Pecking and TappingCase A monk asked Kyōsei, “This student pecks within; I ask the teacher to tap without.”[^1] Engo: Making waves without wind. What for? What use are …→
- CASE 17Kōrin's “Sitting Long Becomes Weariness”Case A monk asked Kōrin, “What is the patriarch's intent in coming from the west?” Engo: Many people become doubtful. This news still remains. Kōrin…→
- CASE 18The Nan’yō Echū's Seamless StupaCase Emperor Daizong asked Nan’yō Echū Huizhong:[^1] Source note: The base text says Suzong; it should be Daizong. This is an error. Engo: Scratchin…→
- CASE 19Gutei Raises One FingerCase Whenever anyone asked Reverend Gutei anything, Engo: What news is there? A dull-rooted teacher. he only raised one finger. Engo: The old fello…→
- CASE 20Ryūge's “No Intent in Coming from the West”Case Ryūge asked Suibi, “What is the patriarch's intent in coming from the west?” Engo: An old saying in every community—still it must be tested. Su…→
- CASE 21Chimon's Lotus Flower and Lotus LeafCase A monk asked Chimon, “What about before the lotus blossom emerges from the water?” Engo: The hook lies where no doubt exists. Washing a lump of …→
- CASE 22Seppō's Turtle-Nose SnakeCase Seppō instructed the assembly: “On South Mountain there is a turtle-nose snake.[^1]” Engo: See a marvel without marveling and the marvel destroy…→
- CASE 23Hofuku's Summit of Wonder PeakCase Hofuku and Changqing were hiking in the mountains. Engo: These two fellows have fallen into the weeds. Hofuku pointed with his hand and said, “…→
- CASE 24Ryū Tetsuma Comes to IsanCase Ryū Tetsuma came to Isan. Engo: Difficult indeed to approach. This old woman does not keep to her proper place. Isan said, “Old cow, you have c…→
- CASE 25The Lotus Peak Hermit Will Not StayCase The hermit of Lotus Peak raised his staff before the assembly and said: Engo: Look! An eye in the crown of his head. Yet this too is a contempor…→
- CASE 26Hyakujō Sits Alone on Daxiong PeakCase A monk asked Hyakujō, “What is the extraordinary affair?” Engo: An echo in the words; the working displayed in the phrase. It startles people to…→
- CASE 27Unmon's “Body Exposed in the Golden Wind”Case A monk asked Unmon, “What about when the tree withers and the leaves fall?” Engo: What time is this? The household ruined and its people dead; t…→
- CASE 28Nansen's Unspoken DharmaCase Nansen visited Hyakujō Nehan. Hyakujō asked, “Did the sages since antiquity have a Dharma they did not speak for people?” Engo: The master ought…→
- CASE 29Daizui “Goes Along with It”Case A monk asked Daizui, “When the kalpa fire blazes through and the entire thousand-world cosmos is destroyed, does this perish or not?”[^1] Engo: …→
- CASE 30Jōshū's Great RadishesCase A monk asked Jōshū, “I have heard that you met Nansen in person. Is that so?” Engo: A thousand hearings do not equal one seeing. His knitted bro…→
- CASE 31Mayoku's Ring-StaffCase Mayoku came holding his ring-staff to Zhangjing. He circled the Zen seat three times, shook the staff once, and stood erect. Engo: Cast in the m…→
- CASE 32Senior Jō's Great AwakeningCase Senior Jō asked Rinzai, “What is the great meaning of the Buddha Dharma?” Engo: How many reach here and become bewildered? Still this fellow rem…→
- CASE 33Chencao Visits ShifukuCase Minister Chencao visited Shifuku. Seeing him arrive, Shifuku drew a circle-mark. Engo: Spirits recognize spirits; thieves recognize thieves. Wit…→
- CASE 34Kyōzan Says, “You Never Toured the Mountain”Case Kyōzan asked a monk, “Where have you recently come from?” Engo: Everyone in the world is alike; still he must ask. Fanning fire with the wind—on…→
- CASE 35Mañjuśrī's “Three and Three”Case Mañjuśrī asked Wuzhu, “Where have you recently come from?” Engo: The question cannot be omitted. There is this news too. Wuzhu said, “The south…→
- CASE 36Chōsa Wanders in the MountainsCase One day Chōsa went wandering in the mountains. When he returned to the gate, the head monk asked, “Where have you been, Master?” Engo: All day l…→
- CASE 37Banzan's “The Three Realms Have No Dharmas”Case Banzan offered this saying: “The three realms have no dharmas. Engo: Once the arrow leaves the string, it has no power to return. The bright mo…→
- CASE 38Fuketsu's Iron Ox SealCase While Fuketsu was residing in the government compound at Yingzhou, he ascended the hall and said: Engo: Relying on the governor to preach Zen. W…→
- CASE 39Unmon's Flowering HedgeCase A monk asked Unmon, “What is the pure Dharma body?” Engo: Atop a rubbish heap, he sees the sixteen-foot golden body. Mottled and variegated—what…→
- CASE 40Nansen's Flower “Like a Dream”Case While Official Lu Gen was speaking with Nansen, Lu said, “Master Sengzhao said, ‘Heaven and earth share one root with me; the myriad things form …→
- CASE 41Tōsu's “No Traveling by Night”Case Jōshū asked Tōsu, “When a person of great death comes alive again, what then?” Engo: Is there such a thing? A thief does not raid a poor househo…→
- CASE 42Hō Koji's “Good Snow”Case Hō Koji took leave of Yakusan. Engo: This old fellow is making something strange. Yakusan ordered ten Zen travelers to escort him to the gate. …→
- CASE 43Tōzan's “No Heat or Cold”Case A monk asked Tōzan, “When cold and heat arrive, how can one avoid them?” Engo: This is not that occasion. Cold and heat strike head and face—whe…→
- CASE 44Kasan Knows How to Beat the DrumCase Kasan offered this teaching: “Practicing study is called hearing. Cutting off study is called neighboring. Engo: No patch-robed monk in the wor…→
- CASE 45Jōshū's Seven-Pound ShirtCase A monk asked Jōshū, “The myriad dharmas return to one. Where does the one return?” Engo: He presses this old fellow. Mountains heaped upon peaks…→
- CASE 46Kyōsei's Sound of RaindropsCase Kyōsei asked a monk, “What sound is outside the gate?” Engo: Casually he lowers a hook. Never mind being deaf—what is he asking? The monk said,…→
- CASE 47Unmon's “The Six Do Not Take It In”Case A monk asked Unmon, “What is the Dharma body?” Engo: How many people become doubtful here? A thousand sages cannot leap out. No small leak. Unm…→
- CASE 48The Overturned Tea Kettle at ZhaoqingCase Governor Wang entered Zhaoqing while tea was being prepared. Engo: Adepts gather together; something extraordinary is required. Casually, with n…→
- CASE 49Sanshō's Golden Fish Through the NetCase Sanshō asked Seppō, “A golden-scaled fish that has passed through the net—what does it take as food?” Engo: Undeniably free across and down. Thi…→
- CASE 50Unmon's Rice and WaterCase A monk asked Unmon, “What is samādhi in every dust mote?” Engo: Every patch-robed monk in the world makes a nest here. A mouth full of frost—wha…→
- CASE 51Seppō and the Final WordCase When Seppō was living in a hermitage, two monks came to bow. Engo: What are they doing? All receive judgment under one indictment. Seeing them …→
- CASE 52Jōshū's Stone BridgeCase A monk asked Jōshū, “I have long heard of Jōshū's stone bridge. Now that I have arrived, I see only a single-log footbridge.” Engo: Here is some…→
- CASE 53Baso's Wild DucksCase Master Baso was walking with Hyakujō when they saw wild ducks fly past. Engo: Two fellows fallen into the weeds, rolling about in the grass. Why…→
- CASE 54Unmon Spreads His HandsCase Unmon asked a monk, “Where have you recently come from?” Engo: He cannot simply say ‘Xichan.’ A probing pole and shadowing grass. It cannot be s…→
- CASE 55Dōgo Will Not Say Alive or DeadCase Dōgo and Jianyuan went to a household to offer condolences. Jianyuan struck the coffin and asked, “Alive or dead?” Engo: What are you saying? Ho…→
- CASE 56Kinzan's One Arrowhead Breaks Three BarriersCase Zen traveler Liang asked Kinzan, “What is it like when one arrowhead breaks through three barriers?” Engo: Perilous! Undeniably extraordinary—un…→
- CASE 57Jōshū's “Where Is the Picking and Choosing?”Case A monk asked Jōshū, “‘The utmost Way is not difficult; it only detests picking and choosing.’ What is not picking and choosing?” Engo: This iron…→
- CASE 58Jōshū's Five Years Unable to ExplainCase A monk asked Jōshū, “‘The utmost Way is not difficult; it only detests picking and choosing.’ Is this a nest-cave for people of the time?” Engo:…→
- CASE 59Jōshū's “Just This: The Utmost Way Is Not Difficult”Case A monk asked Jōshū, “‘The utmost Way is not difficult; it only detests picking and choosing.’ Engo: He brings it forward yet again. What are you…→
- CASE 60Unmon's Staff Turns Into a DragonCase Unmon held up his staff before the assembly and said, Engo: Transformation and guidance lie in the immediate occasion. The knife that kills and …→
- CASE 61Fuketsu's One Speck of DustCase Fuketsu presented a saying: Engo: He raises clouds and brings rain. There must also be host and guest. “If one speck of dust is established, E…→
- CASE 62Unmon's One Treasure in Form-MountainCase Unmon instructed the assembly: “Within heaven and earth, Engo: The land is broad and people are few. The six directions cannot contain it. “am…→
- CASE 63Nansen Cuts the Cat in TwoCase One day, the east and west halls at Nansen's monastery were fighting over a cat. Engo: They should not have begun making trouble only today. Ano…→
- CASE 64Jōshū Puts His Sandals on His HeadCase Nansen again related the preceding story and asked Jōshū about it. Engo: They must indeed share one mind and one intent. Only those on the same …→
- CASE 65The Outsider Asks Without Speech or SilenceCase An outsider asked the Buddha, “I do not ask about speech; I do not ask about no speech.” Engo: Even so, a person inside the house also has a lit…→
- CASE 66Gantō's Sword After Huang ChaoCase Gantō asked a monk, “Where have you come from?” Engo: Before opening his mouth, he has already admitted defeat and exposed the failure. Passing …→
- CASE 67Fu Dashi Lectures the Diamond SutraCase Emperor Wu of Liang invited Fu Dashi to lecture on the Diamond Sutra. Engo: Bodhidharma's brother has come! Traveling through fish markets and w…→
- CASE 68Kyōzan and Sanshō Exchange NamesCase Kyōzan asked Sanshō, “What is your name?” Engo: Name and actuality seize each other. Enticing a thief destroys the house. Sanshō said, “Huiji.”…→
- CASE 69Nansen Draws a Circle on the RoadCase Nansen, Guizong, and Mayoku went together to bow to Nan’yō Echū Zhong. When they reached the middle of the road, Engo: When three people travel …→
- CASE 70Hyakujō—Speak with Throat and Lips ClosedCase Isan, Gohō, and Ungan stood together attending Hyakujō. Engo: Ah, ha, ha! From beginning to end, confusion. You go toward western Qin; I go towa…→
- CASE 71Hyakujō Asks GohōCase Hyakujō again asked Gohō, “Close throat and lips together. How will you speak?” Engo: Ah, ha, ha! The arrow has passed beyond Silla. Gohō said,…→
- CASE 72Hyakujō Asks UnganCase Hyakujō also asked Ungan, “Close throat and lips together. How will you speak?” Engo: Emerging from a toad's cave—what are you saying? Ungan sa…→
- CASE 73Baso's “Zang's Head Is White; Hai's Head Is Black”Case A monk asked Master Ma, “Departing from the four propositions and cutting off the hundred negations, I ask the Master to point directly to the in…→
- CASE 74Kingyū Calls the Bodhisattvas to EatCase Whenever mealtime came, Reverend Kingyū personally carried the rice bucket, danced before the monks' hall, laughed loudly, “Ha! Ha!” and called, …→
- CASE 75Ukyū and the Monk Exchange the StaffCase A monk came from Reverend Dingzhou's assembly to Ukyū. Ukyū asked, “How does Dingzhou's Dharma way compare with this place?” Engo: There is reso…→
- CASE 76Tanka Asks, “Have You Eaten?”Case Tanka asked a monk, “Where have you come from?” Engo: Precisely—you cannot be entirely without a place you came from. Knowing that place is not …→
- CASE 77Unmon's Sesame CakeCase A monk asked Unmon, “What is a statement that transcends buddhas and goes beyond patriarchs?” Engo: Open! Sudden thunder on dry ground. Press hi…→
- CASE 78Sixteen Bodhisattvas Enter the BathCase Long ago there were sixteen bodhisattvas. Engo: Forming a crowd and making a company—what use is that? This troop of inept fellows. At the monk…→
- CASE 79Tōsu—All Sounds Are Buddha's VoiceCase A monk asked Tōsu, “Is every sound Buddha's voice?” Engo: He too knows how to stroke a tiger's whiskers. A thunderclap in the clear sky. He does…→
- CASE 80Jōshū's Ball on Swift WaterCase A monk asked Jōshū, “Does a newborn child possess the six consciousnesses?” Engo: A mechanism like lightning. Why speak of a newborn child? Jōs…→
- CASE 81Yakusan Shoots the Stag of StagsCase A monk asked Yakusan, “On a level field with shallow grass, stags and deer form a herd. How can one shoot the stag among stags?” Engo: He binds …→
- CASE 82Dairyū's Enduring Dharma BodyCase A monk asked Dairyū, “The form-body decays. What is the enduring Dharma body?” Engo: His words make two sections. Splitting them apart is fine t…→
- CASE 83Unmon's Ancient Buddha and the Exposed PillarCase Unmon instructed the assembly: “An ancient buddha meets an exposed pillar. Which mechanism is this?” Engo: Three thousand miles away—no connecti…→
- CASE 84Vimalakīrti's Gate of NondualityCase Vimalakīrti asked Mañjuśrī, Engo: This fellow is exceedingly eager to make a commotion. Close your mouth! “What is a bodhisattva's entry into t…→
- CASE 85Tōhō's TigerCase A monk came to Hermit Tōhō and asked, “If a tiger suddenly appeared here, what then?” Engo: An adept playing with shadows. One or half of one in…→
- CASE 86Unmon—Everyone Has LightCase Unmon posed a saying: “Every person has light.” Engo: A black lacquer bucket. “When they look, they do not see it; all is dark and dim.” Engo:…→
- CASE 87Unmon's Medicine and DiseaseCase Unmon instructed the assembly: “Medicine and disease treat one another.” Engo: A single joined configuration cannot be obtained. “The whole ear…→
- CASE 88Gensha's Three Kinds of Sick PersonCase Gensha instructed the assembly: “Elders everywhere all say they receive beings and benefit living creatures. Engo: Each opens a shop according t…→
- CASE 89Dōgo's Whole Body Is Hands and EyesCase Ungan asked Dōgo, “What does Bodhisattva Great Compassion do with so many hands and eyes?” Engo: He should have given him the fodder of the orig…→
- CASE 90Chimon's Essence and Function of PrajñāCase A monk asked Chimon, “What is the essence of prajñā?” Engo: The whole body has no image or shadow; it sits cutting off everyone's tongue. What u…→
- CASE 91Enkan's Rhinoceros-Horn FanCase One day Enkan called his attendant: “Bring me the rhinoceros-horn fan.” Engo: No shortage of vines. How does this compare with the fine news? T…→
- CASE 92The World-Honored One Ascends the SeatCase One day the World-Honored One ascended the teaching seat. Engo: Guest and host both lost. This is not his first leakage. Mañjuśrī struck the ga…→
- CASE 93Taikō's DanceCase A monk asked Taikō, “Changqing said, ‘Celebratory praise on the occasion of the meal.’ What is the meaning?” Engo: Light again for this lacquer …→
- CASE 94The Śūraṅgama on SeeingCase The Śūraṅgama Sūtra says: “When I do not see, why do you not see the place where I do not see?” Engo: Fine news. What use is seeing? Old Śākyam…→
- CASE 95Changqing and Hofuku on the Tathāgata's SpeechCase Changqing once said, “I would sooner say an arhat has the three poisons— Engo: Scorched grain produces no sprout. “—than say the Tathāgata has …→
- CASE 96Jōshū's Three Turning WordsCase Jōshū instructed the assembly with three turning words. Engo: What is he saying? Three sections, each different. Engo explains: Jōshū afterward…→
- CASE 97The Diamond Sūtra on Being DespisedCase The Diamond Sūtra says: “If a person is despised by others— Engo: It releases one thread of road. What harm? “—that person's harmful karma fro…→
- CASE 98Tempyō's Two “Wrongs”Case When Reverend Tempyō was traveling, he visited Xiyuan. He often said, “Do not say anyone understands Buddha-Dharma—there is no one who can even r…→
- CASE 99Shukusō Asks About the Ten-Bodied TamerCase Emperor Shukusō asked Nan’yō Echū Zhong, “What is the Tamer in ten bodies?” Engo: An adept ruler, Son of Heaven of Great Tang. He ought to know …→
- CASE 100Haryō's Blown-Hair SwordCase A monk asked Haryō, “What is the blown-hair sword?” Engo: Cutting through danger! Haryō said, “Every coral branch props up the moon.” Engo: It…→
Book of Serenity
Shōyōroku / Congrong lu
The Book of Serenity
- CASE 1The World-Honored One Ascends the SeatCase One day the World-Honored One ascended the seat. Banshō: Today he gains no advantage. Manjusri struck the announcing gavel and said, “Attend cl…→
- CASE 2Bodhidharma's “Vast Emptiness”Case Emperor Wu of Liang asked Master Bodhidharma: Banshō: Up at dawn, he has yet to turn a profit. “What is the first principle of holy truth?” Ba…→
- CASE 3The Eastern Indian King Invites the PatriarchCase The king of an eastern Indian land invited the Twenty-Seventh Ancestor, Prajñātāra, to a vegetarian meal. Banshō: More often than not, he goes t…→
- CASE 4The World-Honored One Points to the GroundCase The World-Honored One was walking with the assembly. Banshō: Turning in step with his heels. He pointed to the ground and said, “This would be …→
- CASE 5Seigen's Price of RiceCase A monk asked Seigen, “What is the essential meaning of the Buddha-Dharma?” Banshō: A minor official often recites the statutes. Seigen said, “W…→
- CASE 6Baso's White and BlackCase A monk asked Great Master Baso, “Apart from the four propositions and cut off from the hundred negations, please directly point out for me the me…→
- CASE 7Yakusan Ascends the SeatCase Yakusan had not ascended the seat for a long time. Banshō: Movement is not as good as stillness. The rector said, “The assembly has long desire…→
- CASE 8Hyakujō's Wild FoxCase Whenever Hyakujō ascended the hall, an old man regularly listened to the Dharma and dispersed with the assembly. Banshō: Taking quiet in the mid…→
- CASE 9Nansen Cuts the CatCase One day the eastern and western halls at Nansen were fighting over a cat. Banshō: When people are at peace, they do not speak; when water is lev…→
- CASE 10The Old Woman of GodaisanCase On the road to Godaisan there was an old woman. Banshō: A farmstead beside the city; a rabbit flanking the road. Whenever a monk asked, “Which …→
- CASE 11Unmon's Two IllnessesCase Great Master Unmon said, “When the light does not penetrate and break free, there are two kinds of illness.” Banshō: Do you still feel your mout…→
- CASE 12Jizō Plants the FieldsCase Jizō asked Head Monk Xiu, “Where have you come from?” Banshō: Would it do to say you do not know where you came from? Xiu said, “From the south…→
- CASE 13Rinzai's Blind DonkeyCase When Rinzai was about to manifest extinction, he charged Sanshō: Banshō: A solicitous old woman says farewell three times as she dies. “After m…→
- CASE 14Attendant Kuo Serves TeaCase Attendant Kuo asked Tokusan, “Where have all the sages from antiquity gone?” Banshō: They are inside your nostrils. Tokusan said, “What? What?”…→
- CASE 15Kyōzan Plants His HoeCase Isan asked Kyōzan, “Where have you come from?” Banshō: It is not that he did not know where Kyōzan came from. Kyōzan said, “I came from the fie…→
- CASE 16Mayoku Shakes His StaffCase Mayoku, holding his staff, came to Zhangjing. He circled the meditation seat three times, shook the staff once, and stood there imposing and erec…→
- CASE 17Hōgen's HairsbreadthCase Hōgen asked Head Monk Xiu, “A hairsbreadth of difference, and heaven and earth hang apart. How do you understand this?” Banshō: Who dares move i…→
- CASE 18Jōshū's DogCase A monk asked Jōshū, “Does a dog have buddha-nature or not?” Banshō: Chasing a clod down the middle of the street. Jōshū said, “It has.” Banshō…→
- CASE 19Unmon's Mount SumeruCase A monk asked Unmon, “If one does not give rise to a single thought, is there still fault or not?” Banshō: A fellow whose words are pure and cond…→
- CASE 20Jizō's “Most Intimate”Case Jizō asked Hōgen, “Where are you going, senior monk?” Banshō: Why weave a net around the man? Hōgen said, “I am wandering along on foot.” Bans…→
- CASE 21Ungan Sweeps the GroundCase While Ungan was sweeping the ground— Banshō: A novice and temple boy who cannot muster strength. Dōgo said, “Far too busy and laborious.” Bans…→
- CASE 22Gantō Bows to the ShoutCase Gantō came to Tokusan, crossed the threshold, and immediately asked, “Is it ordinary or sacred?” Banshō: This thief! Tokusan immediately shoute…→
- CASE 23Roso Faces the WallCase Whenever Roso saw a monk come, he immediately faced the wall. Banshō: They have already met. Hearing of this, Nansen said, “I regularly tell hi…→
- CASE 24Seppō's SnakeCase Seppō instructed the assembly, “On South Mountain there is a turtle-nosed snake. All of you must look carefully.” Banshō: [Raising his sitting c…→
- CASE 25Enkan's Rhinoceros FanCase One day Enkan called his attendant: “Pass me the rhinoceros fan.” Banshō: Ultimately it cannot do without him. The attendant said, “The fan is …→
- CASE 26Kyōzan Points to SnowCase Kyōzan pointed to a snow lion and said, “Is there anyone who can surpass this color?” Banshō: Without noticing, Kyōzan falls on level ground. U…→
- CASE 27Hōgen Points to the CurtainCase Hōgen pointed with his hand to the curtain. Banshō: Do not say you did not know; do not say you did not see. At that moment two monks went toge…→
- CASE 28Gokoku's Three EmbarrassmentsCase A monk asked Gokoku, “What about when a crane stands on a withered pine?” Banshō: Climbing higher step by step is easy. Gokoku said, “One embar…→
- CASE 29Fuketsu's Iron OxCase While Fuketsu was residing inside the prefectural offices of Yingzhou, he ascended the hall and said: “The ancestral teachers' mind-seal resembl…→
- CASE 30Daizui's Kalpa FireCase A monk asked Daizui, “When the kalpa fire blazes through, the entire great-thousand world is destroyed. I do not yet understand: is this one dest…→
- CASE 31Unmon's Exposed PillarCase Unmon put forward a saying: “An ancient buddha communes with an exposed pillar. Which mechanism is this?” Banshō: Already fallen into seventh an…→
- CASE 32Kyōzan's Mind and EnvironmentCase Kyōzan asked a monk, “Where are you from?” Banshō: Behind a closed door he brushes up his understanding. The monk said, “I am from Youzhou.” B…→
- CASE 33Sanshō's Golden-Scaled FishCase Sanshō asked Seppō, “I do not yet understand: what does the golden-scaled fish that has passed through the net feed upon?” Banshō: It does not w…→
- CASE 34Fuketsu's One Speck of DustCase Fuketsu put forward a saying: “If one speck of dust is established, house and nation flourish.” Banshō: What is gained originally exists. “If o…→
- CASE 35Rakuho SubmitsCase Rakuho visited Kassan. Without bowing, he stood face to face with him. Banshō: Meeting, neither dismounts; each has a road ahead. Kassan said, …→
- CASE 36Baso Is UnwellCase Great Master Baso was unwell. Banshō: He does not necessarily resemble Vimalakirti. The monastery director asked, “Reverend, how is your honore…→
- CASE 37Isan's Karmic ConsciousnessCase Isan asked Kyōzan, “Suppose someone asks: ‘All sentient beings possess only karmic consciousness, vast and obscure, with no root on which to rely…→
- CASE 38Rinzai's True PersonCase Rinzai instructed the assembly: “There is a true person of no rank Banshō: Already he has laid the foundation and planted the feet. “who consta…→
- CASE 39Jōshū—Wash Your BowlCase A monk asked Jōshū, “This student has just entered the community. I beg the teacher for instruction.” Banshō: The community has not treated you …→
- CASE 40Unmon's White and BlackCase Unmon asked Kempō, “Please, teacher, answer me.” Banshō: An empty head submerged over the crown. Kempō said, “Have you reached this old monk ye…→
- CASE 41Rakuho at DeathCase As Rakuho approached death, he instructed the assembly: “Today I have one matter to ask all of you. Banshō: Still he speaks of military strategy…→
- CASE 42Nan’yō's Water PitcherCase A monk asked Nan’yō Echū Zhong of Nan’yō, “What is Lusana in the original body?” Banshō: Are you a substitute name? The Nan’yō Echū said, “Brin…→
- CASE 43Razan's Arising and CeasingCase Razan asked Gantō, “What about when arising and ceasing do not stop?” Banshō: A golden scraper and a clay person rub one another's backs. Gantō…→
- CASE 44Kōyō's Wondrous-Winged BirdCase A monk asked Reverend Pou of Kōyō, “Sagara emerges from the sea and heaven and earth grow still. What about the matter presented face to face?” …→
- CASE 45The *Perfect Enlightenment Sutra*'s Four SectionsCase The Perfect Enlightenment Sutra says: “At all times, do not give rise to deluded thoughts.” Banshō: No. “With regard to every deluded mind, al…→
- CASE 46Tokusan—Study FinishedCase Great Master Yuanming of Tokusan instructed the assembly: “Let everything be exhausted and gone. Banshō: This remains. “Even hang the mouths o…→
- CASE 47Jōshū's Cypress TreeCase A monk asked Jōshū, “What is the ancestral teacher's intent in coming from the West?” Banshō: Doluo meddles idly. Jōshū said, “The cypress tree…→
- CASE 48Vimalakirti's NondualityCase Vimalakirti asked Manjushri, “What is a bodhisattva's entry into the Dharma gate of nonduality?” Banshō: Which number is the question's place? …→
- CASE 49Tōzan Offers to Ungan's PortraitCase While Tōzan was making offerings to Ungan's portrait, Banshō: Who says it is false? he raised the earlier story about depicting the true likene…→
- CASE 50Seppō's “What Is It?”Case When Seppō was living in a hermitage, two monks came to bow to him. Banshō: Following fragrance and pursuing scent. Seeing them come, Seppō bra…→
- CASE 51Hōgen's “By Boat or by Land?”Case Hōgen asked Senior Jiao, “Did you come by boat or by land?” Banshō: It very much seems there are two kinds. Jiao said, “By boat.” Banshō: Prof…→
- CASE 52Sōzan's Dharma BodyCase Sōzan asked Senior De, “The Buddha's true Dharma body is like empty space— Banshō: The public authority does not admit even a needle. “respondi…→
- CASE 53Ōbaku's Dreg-GobblersCase Ōbaku instructed the assembly, saying, “All of you are dreg-gobblers. Banshō: Under Ōbaku's gate. “Traveling about in this way, where will you …→
- CASE 54Ungan's Great CompassionCase Ungan asked Dōgo, “What does the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion do with so many hands and eyes?” Banshō: Asking in this way, what are you schem…→
- CASE 55Seppō as Rice CookCase When Seppō served as rice cook under Tokusan, Banshō: If one does not work hard while young— one day the meal was late. Tokusan carried his bow…→
- CASE 56Master Misshi's White RabbitCase As Senior Master Misshi and Tōzan were walking, they saw a white rabbit run past in front of them. Misshi said, “Fine!” Banshō: What can be don…→
- CASE 57Gon’yō's One ThingCase The Venerable Gon’yō asked Jōshū, “What about when one does not bring a single thing?” Banshō: This is still outside the proper share. Jōshū sa…→
- CASE 58The *Diamond Sutra* on Being DespisedCase The Diamond Sutra says: “If a person is despised by others— Banshō: I become a worm in the dung. “—that person's harmful karma from former liv…→
- CASE 59Seirin's Dead SnakeCase A monk asked Seirin, “What about when this student goes straight on?” Banshō: The moment he raises a foot, he is already going in circles. Seir…→
- CASE 60Ryū Tetsuma, the Old CowCase Ryū Tetsuma arrived at Isan. Banshō: The meeting is already complete. Isan said, “Old cow, you have come.” Banshō: Provoking bees and picking …→
- CASE 61Kempō's One StrokeCase A monk asked Kempō, “The Bhagavats of the ten directions have one road, the gate of nirvāṇa. I do not yet understand—where is the roadhead?” Ban…→
- CASE 62Beiko Asks About AwakeningCase Beiko had a monk ask Kyōzan, “Do people today still rely on awakening?” Banshō: Were they ever deluded? Kyōzan said, “Awakening is certainly no…→
- CASE 63Jōshū Asks About DeathCase Jōshū asked Tōsu, “What about when one who has greatly died comes back to life?” Banshō: The sounding pole is in his hand. Tōsu said, “Night tr…→
- CASE 64Shishō's SuccessionCase Head Seat Shishō asked Hōgen, “Reverend, when you opened the hall, whom did you succeed?” Banshō: Had I known today's meddling would result, I w…→
- CASE 65Shuzan's New BrideCase A monk asked Shuzan, “What is Buddha?” Banshō: How exceedingly fresh! Shuzan said, “The new bride rides the donkey; her mother-in-law leads it.…→
- CASE 66Kyūhō's Head and TailCase A monk asked Kyūhō, “What is the head?” Banshō: Soaring high before the Buddha Awesome Voice. Kyūhō said, “Open the eyes without noticing dawn.…→
- CASE 67The *Huayan Sutra* on WisdomCase The Huayan Sutra says, “I now see universally that all sentient beings possess the Tathāgata's wisdom, virtues, and marks. Banshō: A bear turns …→
- CASE 68Kassan Wields the SwordCase A monk asked Kassan, “What about when one brushes aside the dust and sees Buddha?” Banshō: Why must you? Kassan said, “You must directly wield …→
- CASE 69Nansen's White OxCase Nansen instructed the assembly, saying, “The buddhas of the three times do not know there is. Banshō: Only because they know there is. “Cats an…→
- CASE 70Shinsan Asks About NatureCase Shinsan asked Master Xiushan, “Clearly knowing the nature that neither arises nor ceases, why is one detained by birth?” Banshō: Because it shin…→
- CASE 71Suigan's EyebrowsCase At the end of the summer retreat, Suigan instructed the assembly: Banshō: He still thinks it is too little. “All summer long I have spoken for …→
- CASE 72Chūyū's MacaqueCase Kyōzan asked Chūyū, “What is the meaning of buddha-nature?” Banshō: This lecturer is actually capable of sustaining an argument. Chūyū said, “I…→
- CASE 73Sōzan's Mourning Is CompleteCase A monk asked Sōzan, “What about when the funeral robe is not hung?” Banshō: The tiny cicada leaves its shell yet still embraces the cold branch.…→
- CASE 74Hōgen's Form and NameCase A monk asked Hōgen, “I have heard the teaching say, ‘From nonabiding as root, all dharmas are established.’ What is the root of nonabiding?” Ban…→
- CASE 75Zuigan's Constant PrincipleCase Zuigan asked Gantō, “What is the fundamental constant principle?” Banshō: If there is principle, it does not depend on a loud voice. Gantō said…→
- CASE 76Shuzan's Three PhrasesCase Shuzan instructed the assembly, “Realize the first phrase, and you become a teacher of buddhas and ancestors. Banshō: Still a descendant of Bans…→
- CASE 77Kyōzan, According to CapacityCase A monk asked Kyōzan, “Venerable, do you recognize written characters?” Banshō: What character is this? Kyōzan said, “According to my capacity.”…→
- CASE 78Unmon's FlatbreadCase A monk asked Unmon, “What is talk that surpasses buddhas and goes beyond ancestors?” Banshō: This question is far too lofty. Unmon said, “Flatb…→
- CASE 79Chōsa Advances a StepCase Chōsa sent a monk to ask Master Hui, “What about before you met Nansen?” Banshō: There is gruel in the morning. Hui remained silent for a long …→
- CASE 80Ryūge Passes the BoardCase Ryūge asked Suibi, “What is the meaning of the ancestral teacher's coming from the west?” Banshō: Each time it is raised, it is new again. Suib…→
- CASE 81Gensha Comes to the CountyCase Gensha arrived in Putian County, where varied entertainments welcomed him. The next day he asked elder Xiaotang, “Where did all of yesterday's c…→
- CASE 82Unmon on Sound and FormCase Unmon instructed the assembly: “Hear sound and awaken to the Way. Banshō: Two pellets plug the ears. “See form and clarify mind. Banshō: Two …→
- CASE 83Dōgo Tends the SickCase Isan asked Dōgo, “Where have you come from?” Banshō: The place one comes from must be distinct. Dōgo said, “I have come from tending the sick.”…→
- CASE 84Gutei's One FingerCase Whenever Master Gutei was asked anything, he only raised one finger. Banshō: Why expend so much energy? Banshō's commentary on the case Zen Mas…→
- CASE 85The Nan’yō Echū's StupaCase Emperor Suzong asked Nan’yō Echū Huizhong, “What will you require after a hundred years?” Banshō: Even now there is no shortage. The Nan’yō Ech…→
- CASE 86Rinzai's Great AwakeningCase Rinzai asked Ōbaku, “What is the exact great meaning of Buddha Dharma?” Banshō: Killing may be pardoned; sentiment and principle are hard to tol…→
- CASE 87Sozan on Being and NonbeingCase Sozan arrived at Isan and immediately asked, “I have heard the teacher say, ‘Having a phrase or having no phrase is like a vine leaning on a tree…→
- CASE 88The *Surangama Sutra* on Not SeeingCase The Surangama Sutra says: “When I do not see, why do you not see the place of my not-seeing? Banshō: What expectation is this? “If you see my …→
- CASE 89Tōzan, Where There Is No GrassCase Tōzan instructed the assembly: “Brothers, at the beginning of autumn and end of summer, some of you go east, some west. You must go where for te…→
- CASE 90Kyōzan's Formal AnnouncementCase Kyōzan dreamed that he went to Maitreya's place and occupied the second seat. Banshō: Now say: who occupied the first seat? An honored one anno…→
- CASE 91Nansen's PeonyCase Nansen was once speaking with the grand master Lu Gen, who said, “Dharma Master Sengzhao was truly remarkable. Banshō: This too is the white pig…→
- CASE 92Unmon's One TreasureCase Great Master Unmon said: “Within heaven and earth— Banshō: And what contains heaven and earth? “between the four directions and all time— Ban…→
- CASE 93Shiso Does Not UnderstandCase Shiso asked Nansen, “People do not recognize the mani jewel; one personally receives it within the tathāgata treasury. Banshō: Boast a little le…→
- CASE 94Tōzan Is UnwellCase Tōzan was unwell. A monk asked, “Venerable, though you are ill, is there someone who is not ill?” Banshō: Let him explain himself as he likes. …→
- CASE 95Rinzai's Single LineCase Rinzai asked the monastery administrator, “Where have you come from?” Banshō: Slapping his palm, he says, “From here.” The administrator said, …→
- CASE 96Kyūhō Does Not ApproveCase When Kyūhō was at Sekisō, he served as attendant. After Sekisō passed away, the assembly wanted to invite the head monk of the hall to succeed hi…→
- CASE 97Emperor Dōkō's HeadclothCase The Dōkō emperor said to Xinghua, “We have taken possession of one treasure of the Central Plain. Banshō: Boast a little less. “It is only that…→
- CASE 98Tōzan Is Always IntimateCase A monk asked Tōzan, “Among the three bodies, which body does not fall within the various enumerations?”[^2] Banshō: Three in front and three beh…→
- CASE 99Unmon's Bowl and BucketCase A monk asked Unmon, “What is the dust-mote-by-dust-mote samadhi?”[^3] Banshō: He has a wish and does not scatter sand. Unmon said, “Rice in the…→
- CASE 100Rōya's Mountains and RiversCase A monk asked the venerable Jue of Rōya, “If it is fundamentally so in purity, how did mountains, rivers, and the great earth suddenly arise?”[^4]…→
Record of the Transmission of Illumination
Denkōroku
The Record of the Transmission of the Light
- PROJECT CASE 1Śākyamuni Sees the Morning StarTransmission case Śākyamuni Buddha saw the morning star, awakened to the Way, and said: “I, together with the great earth and all its sentient beings…→
- PROJECT CASE 2Mahākāśyapa SmilesTransmission case The First Ancestor was Venerable Mahākāśyapa. The World-Honored One held up a flower and blinked. Mahākāśyapa's face broke into a f…→
- PROJECT CASE 3Ānanda and the FlagpoleTransmission case The Second Ancestor was Venerable Ānanda. He asked Venerable Kāśyapa, “Elder brother, the World-Honored One transmitted the gold-br…→
- PROJECT CASE 4Sanavasa and the Robe CornerTransmission case The Third Ancestor was Venerable Śāṇavāsa. He asked Venerable Ānanda, “What is the originally unborn nature of all dharmas?” Ānand…→
- PROJECT CASE 5Upagupta Leaves HomeTransmission case The Fourth Ancestor was Venerable Upagupta. He attended Venerable Śāṇavāsa for three years. At last his hair was shaved off and he …→
- PROJECT CASE 6Dhitika Penetrates the True MeasureTransmission case The Fifth Ancestor was Venerable Dhītika. He said: “For one who leaves home, there is no ‘I’ as I, and nothing that belongs to thi…→
- PROJECT CASE 7Miccaka Leaves the Small StreamTransmission case The Sixth Ancestor was Venerable Miccaka. The Fifth Ancestor instructed him: “The Buddha said, ‘Cultivating immortality and studyi…→
- PROJECT CASE 8Vasumitra and the Wine VesselTransmission case The Seventh Ancestor was Venerable Vasumitra. He set his wine vessel before Venerable Miccaka, bowed, and stood there. Miccaka ask…→
- PROJECT CASE 9Buddhanandi Debates MeaningTransmission case The Eighth Ancestor was Venerable Buddhanandi. When he met the Seventh Ancestor, Venerable Vasumitra, he said, “I have come to deba…→
- PROJECT CASE 10Buddhamitra Hears the Mind VerseTransmission case The Ninth Ancestor was Venerable Buddhamitra. He heard Buddhanandi say: Your words are intimate with heart; Father and mother cann…→
- PROJECT CASE 11Parshva and the UnbornTransmission case The Tenth Ancestor was Venerable Pārśva. He attended at Venerable Buddhamitra's side for three years and never once slept. One day…→
- PROJECT CASE 12Punyayasas Meets the SovereignTransmission case The Eleventh Ancestor was Venerable Puṇyayaśas. He stood with palms joined before Venerable Pārśva. Pārśva asked, “Where have you …→
- PROJECT CASE 13Asvaghosa and the Sea Of Buddha NatureTransmission case The Twelfth Ancestor was Venerable Aśvaghoṣa. He asked Venerable Puṇyayaśas, “I want to know Buddha. What is it?” Puṇyayaśas said,…→
- PROJECT CASE 14Kapimala and the Wind NatureTransmission case The Thirteenth Ancestor was Venerable Kapimala. Venerable Aśvaghoṣa explained the ocean of buddha-nature to him: “Mountains, river…→
- PROJECT CASE 15Nagarjuna Reveals the Moon DiscTransmission case The Fourteenth Ancestor was Venerable Nāgārjuna. When the Thirteenth Ancestor answered a dragon king's invitation, he received a wi…→
- PROJECT CASE 16Kanadeva and the Bowl Of WaterTransmission case The Fifteenth Ancestor was Venerable Kāṇadeva. He went to call on the great being Nāgārjuna. As he approached the gate, Nāgārjuna k…→
- PROJECT CASE 17Rahulata and the MirrorTransmission case The Sixteenth Ancestor was Venerable Rāhulata. He attended Venerable Kāṇadeva. When he heard the former cause, he was moved to awak…→
- PROJECT CASE 18Sanghanandi and the BellTransmission case The Seventeenth Ancestor was Venerable Saṅghanandi. Venerable Rāhulata instructed him in verse: Because I am already without I, Yo…→
- PROJECT CASE 19Gayasata and the Wind BellTransmission case The Eighteenth Ancestor was Venerable Gayaśāta. He attended Venerable Saṅghanandi. Once they heard the wind sounding a bronze bell…→
- PROJECT CASE 20Kumarata and the JewelTransmission case The Nineteenth Ancestor was Venerable Kumārata. Venerable Gayaśāta instructed him: “Long ago the World-Honored One predicted, ‘One…→
- PROJECT CASE 21Jayata and the Karmic WindTransmission case The Twentieth Ancestor was Venerable Jayata. The Nineteenth Ancestor instructed him: “Although you now trust the three modes of ka…→
- PROJECT CASE 22Vasubandhu and the UnbornTransmission case The Twenty-First Ancestor was Venerable Vasubandhu. The Twentieth Ancestor said to him: “I do not seek the way, and I am not inver…→
- PROJECT CASE 23Manorhita and the FoamTransmission case The Twenty-Second Ancestor was Venerable Manorhita. He asked Venerable Vasubandhu, “What is the awakening of all buddhas?” Vasuban…→
- PROJECT CASE 24Haklenayasas and the Crane FlockTransmission case The Twenty-Third Ancestor was Venerable Haklenayaśas. Venerable Manorhita instructed him, “I have the unsurpassed great treasure of…→
- PROJECT CASE 25Simha and the SwordTransmission case The Twenty-Fourth Ancestor was Venerable Siṃha. He asked the Twenty-Third Ancestor, “I wish to seek the way. How should I apply my …→
- PROJECT CASE 26Basyasita and the RobeTransmission case The Twenty-Fifth Ancestor was Venerable Vasiṣṭha. The Twenty-Fourth Ancestor instructed him, “I now entrust in turn to you the Tath…→
- PROJECT CASE 27Punyamitra and the JewelTransmission case The Twenty-Sixth Ancestor was Venerable Puṇyamitra. While the teacher was still a prince, the Twenty-Fifth Ancestor asked, “You wis…→
- PROJECT CASE 28Prajnatara and the Breathing MindTransmission case The Twenty-Seventh Ancestor was Venerable Prajñātāra. The Twenty-Sixth Ancestor asked him, “Do you remember what happened before?” …→
- PROJECT CASE 29Bodhidharma and the MarrowTransmission case The Twenty-Eighth Ancestor was Venerable Bodhidharma. The Twenty-Seventh Ancestor, Venerable Prajñātāra, asked him, “Among all thin…→
- PROJECT CASE 30Huike and the Pacified MindTransmission case The Twenty-Ninth Ancestor was Great Master Dazu.[^1] He practiced with and attended the Twenty-Eighth Ancestor. One day he told th…→
- PROJECT CASE 31Sengcan and SinTransmission case The Thirtieth Ancestor was Great Master Jianzhi. He met the Twenty-Ninth Ancestor and asked, “This disciple's body is entangled in …→
- PROJECT CASE 32Daoxin and LiberationTransmission case The Thirty-First Ancestor was Zen Master Dayi. He bowed to Great Master Jianzhi and said, “I beg the reverend in compassion to give…→
- PROJECT CASE 33Hongren and the PathTransmission case The Thirty-Second Ancestor was Zen Master Daman.[^1] He met the Thirty-First Ancestor on the Huangmei road. The ancestor asked, “W…→
- PROJECT CASE 34Huineng and the BannerTransmission case The Thirty-Third Ancestor was Zen Master Daikan.[^1] The teacher was laboring in the rice-pounding shed at Huangmei. One night Zen…→
- PROJECT CASE 35Seigen Gyōshi and Luling RiceTransmission case The Thirty-Fourth Ancestor was Great Master Hongji.[^1] He attended the assembly at Sōkei and asked, “What should I undertake so as…→
- PROJECT CASE 36Sekitō Kisen and the Patriarchs TeachingTransmission case The Thirty-Fifth Ancestor was Great Master Wuji.[^1] He met Seigen. Seigen asked, “Where have you come from?” The teacher said, “…→
- PROJECT CASE 37Yakusan Igen and Preserving ItTransmission case The Thirty-Sixth Ancestor was Great Master Hongdao.[^1] He met Sekitō and asked: “I have a rough knowledge of the three vehicles a…→
- PROJECT CASE 38Ungan Donjō and the Seamless MonumentTransmission case The Thirty-Seventh Ancestor was Great Master Ungan Wuzhu.[^1] He first practiced with and attended Hyakujō for twenty years. Later …→
- PROJECT CASE 39Tōzan Gohon Daishi and the StreamTransmission case The Thirty-Eighth Ancestor was Great Master Tōzan Wuben.[^1] He met Ungan and asked, “When insentient beings preach Dharma, who can…→
- PROJECT CASE 40Yunju Daoying and the WindTransmission case The Thirty-Ninth Ancestor was Great Master Yunju Hongjue.[^1] He met Tōzan. Tōzan asked, “Ācārya, what is your name?” The teacher…→
- PROJECT CASE 41Dōan Daopi and the RobeTransmission case The Fortieth Ancestor was Zen Master Dōan Daopi. Once Yunju instructed: “If you wish to attain such a matter, you must be such a p…→
- PROJECT CASE 42Dōan Kanshi and the HeadTransmission case The Forty-First Ancestor was Later Great Master Dōan.[^1] He met Earlier Dōan and said, “An ancient said, ‘Where worldly people lov…→
- PROJECT CASE 43Liangshan Yuanguan and the MoonTransmission case The Forty-Second Ancestor was Reverend Liangshan. He practiced with and attended Later Dōan. Dōan asked, “What is the matter benea…→
- PROJECT CASE 44Dayang Jingxuan and the Skin ShoesTransmission case The Forty-Third Ancestor was Great Master Dayang Ming'an.[^1] He asked Reverend Liangshan, “What is the formless practice hall?” L…→
- PROJECT CASE 45Tōsu Gisei and the Unspoken MatterTransmission case The Forty-Fourth Ancestor was Reverend Tōsu.[^1] He studied with Yuanjian. Dayang Yuanjian had him investigate the encounter in whi…→
- PROJECT CASE 46Fuyō Dōkai and the FundamentalTransmission case The Forty-Fifth Ancestor was Zen Master Fuyō Dōkai.[^1] He studied with Reverend Tōsu Qing and asked, “The words and phrases of bud…→
- PROJECT CASE 47Tanka Shijun and the Empty KalpaTransmission case The Forty-Sixth Ancestor was Zen Master Tanka Shijun.[^1] He asked Fuyō, “What is the one phrase transmitted by the sages from anci…→
- PROJECT CASE 48Shinketsu Seiryō and the Dead TreeTransmission case The Forty-Seventh Ancestor was Zen Master Wukong.[^1] He studied with Tanka. Tanka asked, “What is yourself before the empty kalpa…→
- PROJECT CASE 49Wanshi and the Empty KalpaTransmission case The Forty-Eighth Ancestor was Zen Master Tendō Jue.[^1] He had long served as Wukong's attendant. One day Wukong asked, “How is yo…→
- PROJECT CASE 50Setchō Zhijian and the CypressTransmission case The Forty-Ninth Ancestor was Zen Master Setchō Jian.[^1] When Zongjue was presiding at Tendō, one day he ascended the hall and rais…→
- PROJECT CASE 51Tendō Rujing Drops Body and MindTransmission case The Fiftieth Ancestor was Reverend Tendō Rujing.[^1] He studied with Setchō. Setchō asked, “Pure One, how will you purify the plac…→
- PROJECT CASE 52Eihei Dogen and the Eyes HorizontalTransmission case The Fifty-First Ancestor was Reverend Eihei Dōgen.[^1] He studied with Reverend Tendō Rujing. One day, during late-night seated me…→
- PROJECT CASE 53Koun Ejo and Everyday AffairsTransmission case The Fifty-Second Ancestor was Reverend Eihei Ejō.[^1] He studied with Reverend Dōgen. One day, while requesting instruction, he he…→