Mumonkan / Wumenguan · CASE 19
Ordinary Mind Is the Way
The Gateless Gate
Case
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 toward it, you depart from it.” “Without intending toward it, how can I know it is the Way?” “The Way belongs neither to knowing nor not knowing. Knowing is delusive awareness; not knowing is mere blankness. Truly penetrate the Way beyond intention, and it is like vast space—open, empty, unobstructed. How could it be forced into right and wrong?” At these words, Jōshū suddenly awakened.1
Verse
In spring, a hundred flowers; in autumn, the moon. In summer, a cool breeze; in winter, snow. If no idle concerns hang in your mind, this is the best season in the human world.
Footnotes 1
About this version and its sources
- Full source citation
- 平常是道 — CBETA T2005: T48n2005_p0295b13–p0295b24.
- Method
- Direct critical-edition translation from the cited received base text. Source claims, hagiography, uncertainty, and unresolved readings remain identified in the notes and project record.
- Editorial uncertainty
- Independent philological and reader review remain pending.
- Rights
- Project translation © Tulsa Zen Center Critical Edition contributors. Source text is cited by edition; redistribution policy requires final organizational approval.
- Revision identifier
- 38a271a39dbe
Wumen's commentary
Questioned by Jōshū, Nansen's tiles shattered and ice melted; he could not explain his way out. Even if Jōshū awakened, he would have to investigate for another thirty years before he got it.