A Philosopher Questions the Buddha | Zen Koan

The Case

A non-Buddhist philosopher said to the Buddha, "I do not ask for words; I do not ask for non- words." The WorId-honored One remained silent for a while. The philosopher said admiringly, "The World-honored One, in his great mercy, has blown away the clouds of my illusion and enabled me to enter the Way." After the philosopher had gone, Ananda asked the Buddha, "What did he realize, to say he had entered the Way?'' The World-honored One replied, "A fine horse runs even at the shadow of the whip."

Engo's Introduction

It has no form and yet appears. lt extends in every direction and is boundless. It responds spontaneously and works in emptiness. Even though you may be clever enough to deduce three from one instance, and to detect the slightest deviation at a glance, and though you may be so powerful that the blows fall from your stick like raindrops and your shouts sound like thunderclaps, you are not yet to be compared with the man of advanced enlightenment. What is the condition of such a man?

Verse

The spiritual wheel does not tum; When it turns, it goes two ways. The brilliant mirror on its stand divides beauty from ugliness, lifts the clouds of doubt and illusion. No dust is found in the gate of mercy. A fine horse watches for the shadow of the whip; He goes a thousand miles a day. Once the Buddha made his mind tum back. Should the horse come back when I beckon, I'll snap my fingers thrice at him.