Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 32 – Zen Master Rinzai’s “What is the Essence?”

The Case

Jo Joza asked zen master Rinzai, "What is the essence?" Rinzai, getting up from his seat, seized him, slapped him, and pushed him away. Jo Joza stood still. A monk standing by said, "Jo Joza, why don' t you bow?" When Jo Joza bowed, he suddenly became enlightened.

Engo's Introduction

Once the delusive way of thinking is cut off, a thousand eyes are suddenly opened. One word
blocking the stream of thought, and all thought-actions are controlled. Is there anyone who would undergo the experience of dying the same death and living the same life as the Buddha? Truth is manifest everywhere. If you do not see it, here is an ancient example.

Verse

Inheriting the spirit of Dansai,
How could he be gentle and quiet?
Not difficult for Kyorei
To lift his hands and split Mount Kasan,
Letting the Yellow River through.