Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 36 – When You Meet a Man of the Way

The Casee

Zen master Goso said, "When you meet a man of the Way on the path, do not meet him with words or with silence. Tell me, how will you meet him?"

Mumon's Comment

In such a case, if you can manage an intimate meeting with him it will certainly be gratifying. But if you cannot, you must be watchful in every way.

Verse

Meeting a man of the Way on the road, Meet him with neither words nor silence. A punch on the jaw: Understand, if you can directly understand.