Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 43 – Zen Master Shuzan’s Staff of Office

The Case

Zen Master Shuzan held up a staff of office before his disciples and said, "You monks! If you call this a staff of office, you oppose its reality. If you do not call it a staff of office, you ignore the fact. Tell me, you monks, what will you call it?"

Mumon's Comment

If you call it a staff of office, you oppose its reality. If you do not call it a staff of office, you ignore the fact. Words are not available; silence is not available. Now, tell me quickly, what is it?

Verse

Holding up the staff of office, He takes life, he gives life. Opposing and ignoring interweave. Even Buddhas and patriarchs beg for their lives.