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, "No preaching on oneness."

Engo's Introduction

The death-dealing blade, the life-giving sword: they were the custom in ancient days and are still today the touchstone. Tell me, at this moment, what is the death-dealing blade, what is the life-giving sword?

Verse

No oneness! Each holds one tally. He lives and dies with you, all the same. The eighty-four thousand did not respond quickly; The thirty-three entered the tiger's cave. Remarkable: see how turbulent. The moon reflected on the waves.