Zen Koan & Mysticism – Hekiganroku – Case No. 1 – Emperor Wu Asks Bodhidharma
The Case Emperor Wu of Liang asked Bodhidharma, “What is the first principle of the holy teachings?” Bodhidharma said, “Emptiness, no holiness.” …
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Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 100 – Zen Master Haryo “Sword Against Which a Hair Is Blown!”
The Case A monk asked zen master Haryo, “What is the sword against which a hair is blown?” Haryo said, “Each branch …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 99 – Zen Master Cha “Ten-bodied Herdsman”
The Case Emperor Shukuso asked, zen master Chu, “What is the ten-bodied-herdsman?” Chu said, “Go trampling on Vairocana’s head!” The emperor said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 98 – Zen Master Tempyo “Two Wrongs!”
The Case When zen master Tempyo went on a pilgrimage visiting teachers, he stayed with Sai-in. He always said, “Don’t say you …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 97 – The Diamond Sutra’s “The Transgression Is Wiped Out”
The Case The Diamond Sutra says, “If anyone is despised by others, even if he has committed some serious transgression in a …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 96 – Zen Master Joshu “Three Turning Words!”
The Case Zen master Joshu said, “Clay Buddhas cannot pass through water. Metal Buddhas cannot pass through a furnace. Wooden Buddhas cannot …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 95 – Zen Master Chokei Discusses the Holy Words
The Case Zen master Chokei one day said, “Even if you say that the Arhats still have three poisons, you should not …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 94 – The Scriptures
The Case In the scriptures the World-honored says, “When unseeing, why do you not see the unseeing? If you see the unseeing, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 93 – Zen Master Taiko “You Fox-Devil!”
The Case A monk asked zen master Taiko, “What is the meaning of Chokei’s words, ‘He seems to observe reflection and thanksgiving …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 92 – The World-honored One Takes His Seat!
The Case The World-honored One one day took his seat on the platform. Manjusri struck the table with the gavel and said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 91 – Zen Master Enkan “The Rhinoceros Fan”
The Case Zen master Enkan one day called to his attendant and said, “Bring me the rhinoceros fan.” The attendant said, “The …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 90 – Zen Master Chimon “The Essence of Wisdom”
The Case A monk asked zen master Chimon, “What is the essence of wisdom?” Chimon said, “The oyster swallows the full moon.” …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 89 – Zen Master Ungan “The Whole Body Is Hand and Eye”
The Case Zen master Ungan asked Dogo, “What use does the great Bodhisattva of Mercy make of all those hands and eyes?” …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 88 – Zen Master Gensha “Man of Three Disabilities”
The Case Zen master Gensha said to the assembly, “Every teacher in the land talks of saving things and delivering mankind. When …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 87 – Zen Master Ummon “Medicine and Sickness Cure Each Other”
The Case Zen master Ummon said to his disciples, “Medicine and sickness cure each other. All the earth is medicine, where do …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 86 – Zen Master Ummon “Everybody Has His Own Light”
The Case Zen master Ummon spoke to his assembly and said, “Everybody has his own light. If he tries to see it, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 85 – The Master of Toho Hermitage Roars Like a Tiger
The Case A monk cam’ to visit the zen master of Toho hermitage and said to him, “If, on this mountain, you …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 84 – Yuima “The Gate to the One and Only”
The Case Yuima asked Manjusri, “What is the Bodhisattva’s Gate to the One and Only?” Manjusri answered, “To my mind, in all …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 83 – Zen-Master Ummon “The Old Buddha Communes with the Pillar”
The Case Zen master Ummon spoke to his disciples and said, “The old Buddha communes with the pillar. What level of spiritual …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 82 – Zen-Master Tairyu “Indestructible Dharma Body”
The Case A monk said to zen master Tairyu, “Man’s body will ultimately decompose; what is the indestructible Dharma body?” Tairyu said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 81 – Zen Master Yakusan “King of the King Deer”
The Case A monk said to zen master Yakusan, “On the grassy plain there is a herd of deer, with the king …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 80 – Zen Master Joshu “A Newborn Baby”
The Case A monk asked zen master Joshu, “Does a newborn baby possess the six senses or not?” Joshu said, “It is …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 79 – Zen Master Tosu “Every Voice Is the Buddha’s Voice”
The Case A monk said to zen master Tosu, “It is said ‘Every voice is the Buddhas voice. Is that true?” Tosu …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 78 – Enlightened Ones in the Bath
The Case In ancient times, there were sixteen Enlightened Ones. At the monks’ bathtime, following the rule, they had baths. They suddenly …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 77 – Zen Master Ummon “Sesame Bun”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, “What is the teaching that transcends god and patriarchs?” Ummon said, “A sesame bun.” …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 76 – Zen Master Tanka “Have You Had Your Dinner?”
The Case Zen master Tanka asked a monk, “Where are you from?” The monk replied, From the foot of the mountain.” Tanka …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 75 – Zen Master Ukyu’s “Unfair Blows”
The Case A monk came from zen master Joshu’s assembly to Ukyo, who said to him, “What do you find in Joshu’s …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 74 – Zen Master Kingyu and the Rice Pail
The Case At every midday mealtime, zen master Kingyu would himself bring the pail of boiled rice and, in front of the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 73 – Zen Master Baso and the Hundred Negations
The Case A monk said to zen master Baso, “Independent of the four propositions and transcending the hundred negations, tell me plainly …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 72 – Zen Master Ungan “Do You Have Them or Not?”
The Case Zen master Hyakujo asked Ungan, “With your mouth and lips closed, how would you say it?” Ungan said, “Master, do …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 71 – Zen Master Goho “Shut Up!”
The Case Zen master Hyakujo said to Goho, “With your mouth and lips dosed, how would you say it?” Goho said, “Master …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 70 – Zen Master Isan “I Would Ask You to Say It!”
The Case Zen master Isan, Goho, and Ungan were standing together in attendance on Hyakujo. Hyakujo said to Isan, “With your mouth …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 69 – Zen Master Nansen Draws a Circle
The Case Zen master Nansen, Kisu, and Mayoku were on their way together to pay their respects to Chu Kokushi. When they …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 68 – Zen Master Kyozan Asks Sansho’s Name
The Case Zen Master Kyozan asked Sansho, “What is your name?” Sansho said, “Ejaku!” Kyozan said, “Ejaku is my name!” Sansho said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 67 – Zen Master Fu Concludes His Lecture on the Scriptures
The Case Emperor Wu of Liang asked zen master Fu to give a lecture on the Scriptures. Fu mounted the platform, struck …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 66 – Zen Master Ganto Laughed Loudly
The Case Zen master Ganto asked a monk, “Where are you from?” The monk said, “From the western capital.” Ganto said, “After …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 65 – A 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 – Hekiganroku – No. 64 – Zen Master Joshu Puts His Sandals on His Head
The Case Zen Master Nansen told the previous story [Case 63] to Joshu and asked his opinion. Joshu then took off his …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 63 – Zen Master Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two
The Case Zen master Nansen one day saw the monks of the Eastern and Western halls quarreling over a cat. He held …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 62 – Zen Master Ummon’s “One Treasure”
The Case Zen master Ummon said to the assembled monks, “Between heaven and earth, within the universe, there is one treasure. It …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 61 – Zen Master Fuketsu’s “One Particle of Dust”
The Case Zen master Fuketsu said to the assembled monks, “If one particle of dust is raised, the state will come into …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 60 – Zen Master Ummon’s Staff Becoming a Dragon
The Case Zen master Ummon held out his staff and said to the assembled monks, “The staff has transformed itself into a …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 59 – Zen Master Joshu’s “Why Not Quote to the End?”
The Case A monk said to zen master Joshu, “‘The real Way is no difficult. lt only abhors choice and attachment. If …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 58 – Zen Master Joshu’s “No Justification”
The Case A monk said to zen master Joshu, “You so often quote the words, ‘The real Way is not difficult. It …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 57 – Zen Master Joshu’s “I Alone Am Holy Throughout Heaven and Earth”
The Case A monk said to zen master Joshu, “It is said, ‘The real Way is not difficult. It only abhors choice …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 56 – Zen Master Kinzan “One Arrow Piercing the Three Barriers”
The Case Ryo Zenkaku asked zen master Kinzan, “What about when one arrow pierces the three barriers?” Kinzan said, “Bring out the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 55 – Zen Master Dogo’s “I Would Not Tell You”
The Case One day zen master Dogo accompanied by his disciple Zengen, went to visit a family in which a funeral was …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 54 – Zen Master Ummon Stretches Out His Hands
The Case Zen master Ummon asked a monk, ”Where have you recently come from?” The monk said, “From Saizen.” Ummon said, “What …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 53 – Zen Master Hyakujo “The Wild Duck”
The Case When zen master Ba Daishi [Baso] was out walking with Hyakujo, he saw a wild duck fly past. Daishi said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 52 – Zen Master Joshu’s “Stone Bridge”
The Case A monk said to Zen Master Joshu, “The stone bridge of Joshu is well known, but when I come here, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Case No. 51 – Zen Master Seppo’s “What is This?”
The Case When zen master Seppo was living in his hermitage, two monks came to pay their respects. As Seppo saw them …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 50 – Zen Master Ummon “Particle After Particle’s Samadhi”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, “What is particle after particle’s samadhi?” Ummon said, “Rice in the bowl, water in …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 49 – Zen Master Sansho “The Golden Carp out of the Net”
The Case Sansho said to zen master Seppo, “The golden carp is out of the net! Tell me, what will it feed …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 48 – O Taifu and the Tea Ceremony
The Case O Tifu went to Shokei Temple for the tea ceremony. Ro Joza, lifting the kettle to bring it to Myosho, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 47 – Zen Master Ummon’s “Beyond the Six”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, “What is the true Body?” Ummon said, “Beyond the six.” Engo’s Introduction Heaven never …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 46 – Zen Master Kyosei’s “Voice of the Raindrops”
The Case Zen master Kyosei asked a monk, “What is the noise outside?” The monk said, “That is the voice of the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 45 – Zen Master Joshu’s “Seven-Pound Hempen Shirt”
The Case A monk asked zen master Joshu, “All is reduced to oneness, but what is oneness reduced to?” Joshu said, “When …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 44 – Zen Master Kasan “Beating the Drum”
The Case Zen master Kasan said, “Learning by study is called ‘hearing’; learning no more is called ‘nearness’; transcending these two is …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 43 – Zen Master Tozan’s “Nor Cold or Heat”
The Case A monk said to zen master Tozan, “Cold and heat descend upon us. How can we avoid them?” Tozan said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 42 – Ho Koji’s “Beautiful Snowflakes”
The Case Ho Koji (Layperson) was leaving zen master Yakusan. Yakusan let ten Zen students escort him to the temple gate to …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 41 – Zen Master Joshu and the Great Death
The Case Zen master Joshu asked Tosu, “What if a man of the Great Death comes back to life again?” Tosu said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 40 – Zen Master Nansen “This Flower”
The Case Riku Taifu, while talking with zen master Nansen, said, “Jo Hoshi said, ‘Heaven and earth and I are of the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 39 – Zen Master Ummon’s “Golden-Haired-Lion”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, “What is the pure body of the Buddha?” Ummon said, “Kayakuran” [the fence around …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 38 – Zen Master Fuketsu and the Seal of the Patriarch
The Case Zen master Fuketsu took the high seat in the government office of Eishu and said, “The Seal of the patriarch …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 37 – Zen Master Banshan “Three Worlds, No Law”
The Case In the middle of teaching his listeners, Zen Master Banshan called into the hall: “In the three In the realms …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 36 – Zen Master Chosha Went for A Walk
The Case One day zen master Chosha went for a walk. When he returned to the gate the head monk said, “Ohsho, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 35 – Manjushri’s “Three and Three”
The Case Manjushri asked zen master Muchaku, “Where have you recently come from?” Muchaku said, “From the south.” “How is Southern Buddhism …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 34 – Zen Master Kyozan’s “You Have Not Visited Rozan”
The Case Zen master Kyozan asked a monk, “Where are you from?” “Mount Rozan,” answered the monk. “Have you ever visited Gorehe …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 33 – Chinso Shosho Comes to Visit Zen Master Shifuku
The Case Chinso came to see zen master Shifuku. Shifuku drew a circle in the air. Chinso said, “I have no object …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 32 – Zen Master Rinzai’s “What is the Essence?”
The Case Jo Joza asked zen master Rinzai, “What is the essence?” Rinzai, getting up from his seat, seized him, slapped him, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 31 – Zen Master Mayoku Comes to Zen Master Shokei
The Case Zen Master Mayoku came to Shokei carrying his bell staff with him, walked around Shokei’ s seat three times, shook …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 30 – Zen Master Joshu’s “A Big Radish”
The Case A monk asked zen master Joshu, “I have heard that you closely followed zen master Nansen. Is that true?” Joshu …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 29 – Zen Master Daizui’s “It Will Be Gone with the Other”
The Case A monk asked zen master Daizui, “When the kalpa fire flares up and the great cosmos is destroyed, I wonder, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 28 – Zen Master Nansen’s “What the Holy Ones Have Not Preached”
The Case Zen master Nansen came to see Hyakujo. Hyakujo said, “Is there any Law that the holy ones have not preached …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 27 – Zen Master Ummon’s “Golden Breeze”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, ”What will it be when trees wither and leaves fall?” Ummon said, “You embody …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 26 – Zen Master Hyakujo Sits on the Great Sublime Peak
The Case A monk asked zen master Hyakujo, “What is the mostwonderful thing?” Hyakujo said, “I sit alone on this Great Sublime …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 25 – The Master of Rengeho’s Staff
The Case The master of the hermitage held out his staff and said to his disciples, “When, in olden times, a man …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 24 – Zen Nun, the Old Female Buffalo!
The Case Zen Nun Ryutetsuma came to zen master Isan. Isan said, “Old Female Buffalo, so you have come!” Tetsuma said, ”Tomorrow …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 23 – Zen Master Hofuku’s Marvelous Mountain Top
The Case When zen master Hofuku and Chokei went out for a walk, Hofuku, pointing with his finger, said, “This is Myohocho …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 22 – Zen Master Seppo’s Turtle-nosed Snake
The Case Zen master Seppo, speaking to the assembly,said, “There is a turtle-nosed snake on the South Mountain. You should have a …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 21 – Zen Master Chimon’ s Lotus Flower and Lotus Leaves
The Case A monk asked zen master Chimon, “What will the lotus flower be when it has not yet come out of …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 20 – Zen Master Ryuge Asks Suibi and Zen Master Rinzai
The Case Ryuge asked zen master Suibi, “What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West?” Suibi said, “Pass me the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 19 – Zen Master Gutei’s “One Finger Zen”
The Case Zen master Gutei, whenever he was asked a question, only raised a finger. Engo’s Introduction When even one particle stirs, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – Nr. 18 – Emperor Shukuso Asks About the Style of the Pagoda
The Case Emperor Shukuso asked Cho Kokushi, “You are a hundred years old, what shall I do for you?” Kokushi answered: “Make …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 17 – Zen Master Kyorin’s “Sitting Long and Getting Tired”
The Case A monk asked zen master Kyorin, “What is the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West?” Kyorin said, “Sitting long …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 16 – Zen Master Kyosei’s Instruction on Pecking and Tapping
The Case A monk said to zen master Kyosei, “I want to peck from the inside. Would you please tap from the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 15 – Zen Master Ummon’s “No Preaching on Oneness”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, “What is it when no thought is stirring and nothing presents itself?” Ummon said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 14 – Zen Master Ummon’s ”Preaching Facing Oneness”
The Case A monk asked zen master Ummon, ”What is the teaching of the Buddha’s lifetime?” Ummon said, “Preaching facing oneness.” Engo’s …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 13 – Zen Master Haryo’s “Snow in the Silver Bowl”
The Case A monk asked zen master Haryo, “What is the Daiba school?” Haryo said, “Snow in the silver bowl” Engo’s Introduction …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 12 – Zen Master Tozan’s “Masagin”
The Case A monk asked zen master Tozan, “What is Buddha?” Tozan said, “Masagin!” [three pounds of flax]. Engo’s Introduction The death-dealing …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 11 – Zen Master Obaku’s “Partakers of Brewer’s Grain”
The Case Zen master Obaku addressed the assembly and said, “You are all partakers of brewer’s grain. If you go on studying …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 10 – Zen Master Bokusha’s “Empty-headed Fool”
The Case Zen master Bokushu asked a monk, “Where are you from?” The monk gave a shout. Bokushu said, “This old monk …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 9 – Zen Master Joshu’ s Four Gates
The Case A monk (with the nearby city of Joshu in mind) asked the master of the same name, deliberately omitting the …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 8 – Zen Master Suigan’s Eyebrows
The Case Zen Master Suigan, at the end of the summer session, spoke to the assembly and said, “During the summer session …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 7 – Zen Master Hogen’s “You are Echo”
The Case A monk said to zen master Hogen, “My name is Echo. I ask you, what is the Buddha?” Hogen said, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 5 – Zen Master Ummon’s “Every Day Is a Good Day”
The Case Zen master Ummon addressed the assembly and said, “I am not asking you about the days before the fifteenth of …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 5 – Zen Master Seppo’s “A Grain of Rice”
The Case Zen master Seppo addressed the assembly and said, “All the great world, if I pick it up with my fingertips, …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 4 – Zen Master Tokusan visits Isan
The Case The wandering scholar Tokusan came to the monastery of the Zen master Isan. With the bundle under his arm he …
Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 3 – Zen Master Baso’s “Sun-faced Buddha, Moon-faced Buddha”
The Case The great zen master Baso was seriously ill. The chief priest of the temple came to pay his respects. He …
Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 2 – Zen Master Joshu’ s “The Real Way Is Not Difficult”
The Case Joshu spoke to the assembly and said, “The real Way is not difficult. It only abhors choice and attachment. With …