Zen Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 44 – Zen Master Basho’s Staff

The Case

Zen master Basho said to his disciples, ''If you have a staff, I will give you a staff. If you have no staff, I will take it from you."

Mumon's Comment

lt helps me wade across a river when the bridge is down. It accompanies me to the village on a
moonless night. If you call it a staff, you will enter hell like an arrow.

Verse

The depths and shallows of the world Are all in its grasp. It supports the heavens and sustains the earth. Everywhere, it enhances the doctrine.