Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 63 – Zen Master Nansen Cuts the Cat in Two

The Case

Zen master Nansen one day saw the monks of the Eastern and Western halls quarreling over a cat. He held up the cat and said, "If you can give an answer, I will not kill it." No one could answer. Nansen cut the cat in two.

Engo's Introduction

What is beyond thinking must be the topic for serious discourse. What transcends words should be the subject of earnest investigation. When lightning flashes and shooting stars fall, you should display the power to drain the deepest lakes and overturn mountains. Has any of you acquired such ability?

Verse

Thoughtless the monks of both halls; Raising dust and smoke, out of control. Fortunately, Nansen was there; his deeds squared with his words. He cut the cat in two regardless of who was right, who wrong.