Zen Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 45 – Zen Master Hoen’s “Who Is He”

The Case

Zen master Hoen of Tozan said, "Even Shakya and Maitreya are servants of another. I want to ask you, who is he?"

Mumon's Comment

If you can really see this "another" with perfect clarity, it is like encountering your own father at a crossroads. Why should you ask whether you recognize him or not?

Verse

Don't draw another's bow, Don't ride another's horse, Don't discuss another's faults Don't explore another's affairs.