Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 88 – Zen Master Gensha “Man of Three Disabilities”

The Case

Zen master Gensha said to the assembly, "Every teacher in the land talks of saving things and delivering mankind. When a man of three disabilities comes to you, how do you deal with him? A blind man does not see holding up the hossu, a deaf person does not hear your words, a dumb person will not talk even if you want him to. How do you approach him? If you cannot, Buddhism can bestow no benefit."

A monk asked Ummon about this topic. Ummon said, "Make your bows." The monk did so. Ummon made as if to push the monk with his staff. The monk retreated, and Ummon said, "You are not blind." He then said, "You are not deaf." Ummon asked the monk, "Do you understand?" The monk replied, "No, I do not understand." Ummon said, "You are not dumb." The monk attained an insight.

Engo's Introduction

In his teaching, the master often turns two into three. Talking of the profound, he goes through and through it, seven times piercing and eight times breaking through. He adapts himself to all circumstances, penetrates the most mysterious secrets. Acting on the principles of the Buddha, he leaves no trace of his actions. Where do the complicated koans come from? If you have an eye to see, see the following.

Verse

Blind, deaf, and dumb: none can come near. Throughout the country, none could understand, Riro did not discern the true color, nor Shiko the subtle sound. Let us sit quietly by the window and enjoy the falling leaves, the spring flowers. I say, "Do you understand? It is a holeless iron hammer."