Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 78 – Enlightened Ones in the Bath

The Case

In ancient times, there were sixteen Enlightened Ones. At the monks' bathtime, following the rule, they had baths. They suddenly experienced realization through the touch of the water. You reverend Zen students, do you understand their words? "We experienced the subtle and clear touch, have attained Buddhahood, and still retain it." You will be able to attain this condition after seven times piercing and eight times breaking through.

Verse

The enlightened man is master of one single thing, stretches at ease on his bed. If, in a dream, the ancients said they were enlightened, let them emerge from the scented water, and I would spit at them!