Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 40 – Zen Master Nansen “This Flower”

The Case

Riku Taifu, while talking with zen master Nansen, said, "Jo Hoshi said, 'Heaven and earth and I are of the same root. All things and I are of one substance.' Isn't that absolutely fantastic?" Nansen pointed to a flower in the garden, called Taifu to him, and said, "People of these days see this flower as though they were in a dream."

Engo's Introduction

When the action of the mind is stopped and swept away, the iron tree will bloom. Can you
demonstrate it? Even a crafty fellow will come a cropper here. Even if he excels in every way, he will have his nostrils pierced. Where are the complications?

Verse

Hearing, seeing, touching, and knowing are not one and one; Mountains and rivers should not be viewed in the mirror. The frosty sky, the setting moon-at midnight; With whom will the serene waters of the lake reflect the shadows in the cold?