Zen Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 46 – Proceed On from the Top of the Pole

The Case

Zen master Sekiso asked, "How can you proceed on further from the top of a hundred-foot pole?" Another eminent teacher of old said, "You, who sit on the top of a hundred-foot pole, although you have entered the Way you are not yet genuine. Proceed on from the top of the pole, and you will show your whole body in the ten directions."

Mumon's Comment

If you go on further and turn your body about, no place is left where you are not the master. But even so, tell me, how will you go on further from the top of a hundred-foot pole? Eh?

Verse

He darkens the third Eye of insight and clings to the first mark on the scale. Even though he may sacrifice his life, he is only a blind man leading the blind.