Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 27 – Zen Master Nansen’s “Not Mind, Not Buddha, Not Things”

The Case

A monk asked zen master Nansen, "Is there any Dharma that has not been preached to the people?" Nansen answered, "There is." "What is the truth that has not been taught?" asked the monk. Nansen said, "It is not mind; it is not Buddha; it is not things."

Mumon's Comment

At this question, Nansen used up all his treasure and was not a little confused.

Verse

Talking too much spoils the virtue; Silence is truly unequaled, Let the mountains become the sea; I'll give you no comment.