Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 27 – Zen Master Ummon’s “Golden Breeze”

The Case

A monk asked zen master Ummon, ''What will it be when trees wither and leaves fall?'' Ummon said, "You embody the golden breeze."

Engo's Introduction

One question, and he answers ten; one corner, and the other three are made clear. Seeing the hare, he lets go the hawk; using the wind, he makes fire. Now, not sparing the eyebrows may be put aside for a while-how about your entering the tiger's cave?

Verse

Significant the question,
Pregnant the answer, too!
The three phrases are satisfied,
The arrow penetrates the universe.
The wind blows across the plain,
Soft rain clouds the sky.
Don't you see master of Shorin Temple,
Not yet returning, wall-gazing,
Meditating quietly now on Yuji Peak?