Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 57 – Zen Master Joshu’s “I Alone Am Holy Throughout Heaven and Earth”

The Case

A monk said to zen master Joshu, "It is said, 'The real Way is not difficult. It only abhors choice and attachment.' Now, what are nonchoice and non-attachment?" Joshu said, "I alone am holy throughout heaven and earth." The monk said, "It is stilI choice and attachment." Joshu said, "You country bumpkin! Where are choice and attachment?" The monk was speechless.

Engo's Introduction

When you have not yet penetrated it, it is like silver mountains and iron cliffs. When you have penetrated it, you find you yourself are the silver mountains and iron cliffs. If you ask how to do it, I would say that if you attain realization in the exercise of ki, you will occupy the pinnacle of attainment and will allow not even the holy ones to spy on you. If you cannot do this, see and study the ancient' s doings as follows.

Verse

Deep as the sea, high as the mountains! The fly' s attempt to face the gale! The ant trying to attack the pillar! Choice and attachment! Non-choice and non-attachment! A cloth-covered drum that reaches the eaves!