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 blade, the life-giving sword: they were the custom in ancient days and are still today the touchstone. In death-dealing, not a hair is harmed; in life-giving, the body is denied and life is neglected. It is said that the thousand holy ones have not preached a word on the upward route. Scholars labor at their formulas like monkeys struggling to catch the moon reflected on the waves. But say! If there is no preaching, how is it that there are so many complications, so many koans?

Verse

The golden crow swoops, the silver hare bounds; The echo comes back, direct and free. Who judges Tozan by his word or phrase Is a blind tortoise, lost in a lonely vale. The abundant blossoms, the luxuriant flowers, The southern bamboo, the northern trees. One recalls Riku Taifu and Chokei: ''You should not cry, but laugh!'' Eh!