Zen Koan – Mumonkan – Case No. 47 – Zen Master Tosotsu’ s Three Barriers

The Case

Zen Tosotsu Etsu set up three barriers for his disciple:

• You leave no stone unturned to explore profundity, simply to see into your true nature. Now, I want to a k you, just at this moment, where is your true nature?
• If you realize your true nature, you are free from life and death. Tell me, when your eyesight deserts you at the last moment, how can you be free from life and death?
• When you set yourself free from life and death, you should know your ultimate destination. So when the four elements separate, where will you go?

Mumon's Comment

If you can put turning words to these three questions, you are the master wherever you may stand and command Zen whatever circumstances you may be in. If otherwise, listen: gulping down your meal will fill you easily, but chewing it well can sustain you.

Verse

This moment's thought sees through eternal time; Eternal time is just this moment. If you see through this moment's thought, You see through the man who sees through this moment.