Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 25 – Zen Master Kyozan’s Dream

The Case

In a dream zen master Kyozan went to Maitreya' s place and was led in to sit in the third seat. A senior monk struck with a gavel and said "Today the one in the third seat will speak." Kyozan rose and striking with the gaveI said "The truth of Mahayana is beyond the four propositions and transcends the hundred negations. Taicho! Taicho!" (Hear the truth!)

Mumon's Comment

Now tell me, did Kyozan preach or did he not? If he opens his mouth, he is lost; if he seals his
mouth, he is lost. Even if he neither opens nor shuts his mouth, he is a hundred and eight
thousand miles away from the truth.

Verse

In broacljaylight, under the blue sky, He fortes a dream in a dream; He makes up a monstrous story And tries to deceive the whole crowd.