ZEN STORIES

Yunmen's "Killing the Cat"

The monks of the eastern and western halls were arguing over a cat. Master Nanquan came upon them, picked up the cat, and said, " If any of you can speak a word of Zen, I will spare the cat. If you cannot, I will kill it." No one could answer.

Nanquan Puyuan (748?835) Read Full Story →

Xiangyan's "Man Falls into a Well"

A monk asked Xiangyan, " What is the Way?" Xiangyan replied, "A man falls into a well. How can he get out without a rope?"

Xiangyan Zhixian (d. 898) Read Full Story →

Yunmen's "Good Day"

A monk asked Yunmen, " What is the teaching that transcends the buddhas and patriarchs?" Yunmen replied, "A sesame bun."

Yunmen Wenyan (864?949) Read Full Story →

Linji's "True Man of No Rank"

Linji addressed the assembly, saying, " There is a true man of no rank on your lump of red flesh, always going in and out through the gates of your face. Those who have not yet confirmed this, look! Look!"

Linji Yixuan (d. 866) Read Full Story →

Wash Your Bowl

A monk asked Joshu, " I have just entered this monastery. Please teach me." Joshu asked, "Have you eaten your rice porridge?" The monk replied,

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897) Read Full Story →

Yunmen's Body of Reality

A monk asked Yunmen, " What is the body of reality?" Yunmen replied, "The six do not take it in."

Yunmen Wenyan (864?949) Read Full Story →

Sour Miso

A monk asked Zen master Hakuin, " What is the true meaning of Buddhism?" Hakuin replied, "The miso soup is sour." The monk, confused, asked the same question of the master's attendant, who said, "The miso soup is sour." Hearing this, the monk was deeply enlightened.

Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769) Read Full Story →

Xuefeng's Turtle-Nosed Snake

Xuefeng was with his assembly. He pointed to a firebrand and said, " All of you, this is a firebrand. What is it when it is not a firebrand?" The assembly was silent.

Xuefeng Yicun (822?908) Read Full Story →

Zhaozhou Examines the Hermit

Zhaozhou went to a hermit's cottage and asked, " Is the master in? Is the master in?" The hermit raised his fist. Zhaozhou said,

Recorded in the *Wumenguan* (The Gateless Gate, Case 11) and *Zhaozhou Zhenji Chanshi Yulu*. Read Full Story →

Flower Shower

Subhuti was sitting in a cave. The Buddha appeared and offered him a celestial flower shower as reward for his profound understanding of emptiness. Subhuti said, "

Attributed to the Buddha and Subhuti, compiled in Zen commentaries. Read Full Story →

Voice of Happiness

A monk asked Master Dongshan, " What is the voice of happiness?" Dongshan replied, "I am not deaf." The monk asked again, "What is the voice of suffering?" Dongshan said, "I am not mute."

Dongshan Liangjie (807?869) Read Full Story →

Jingqing's Sound of Raindrops

A monk asked Jingqing, " The ancient masters used a finger to point at the moon. What is the meaning of this?" At that moment, rain began to fall. Jingqing said,

Jingqing Daofu (868?937) Read Full Story →

Tea at Zhaoqing Temple

The monk Zhaozhou went to see the master Guizong. Guizong asked, " Why have you come?" Zhaozhou said,

Recorded in the *Wudeng Huiyuan* (Compendium of Five Lamps) Read Full Story →

The Giver Should Be Thankful

A monk asked Master T?zan, " How should we handle the cold and heat?" T?zan replied, "Why not go where there is no cold or heat?" The monk asked, "Where is the place without cold or heat?" T?zan said,

T?zan Ry?kai (807?869) Read Full Story →

Publishing the Sutras

A monk was copying sutras when Master Joshu approached. The monk said, " Master, I am copying the sacred texts with reverence.

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897) Read Full Story →

Four Shouts for Muzhou

A monk asked Muzhou, " The myriad dharmas return to one. Where does the one return to?" Muzhou said, "When I was in Qingzhou I had a robe made that weighed seven jin." The monk later asked Zhaozhou the same question.

Unknown (Recorded in the *Wumenguan*, 1228) Read Full Story →

Zhaozhou's "Mu"

A monk asked Zhaozhou, " Does a dog have Buddha-nature or not?" Zhaozhou said, "Mu."

Wumen Huikai (1183?1260) Read Full Story →

Zhaozhou's "Cypress Tree"

A monk asked Zhaozhou, " What is the meaning of Bodhidharma's coming from the West?" Zhaozhou said, "The cypress tree in the courtyard."

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897) Read Full Story →

Baizhang's Wild Ducks

Baizhang was walking with his disciple Mazu when a flock of wild ducks flew overhead. Mazu asked, " What is that?" Baizhang said,

Unknown, from *The Record of the Transmission of the Lamp* (c. 1004-1007) Read Full Story →

The Moon Cannot Be Stolen

Ryokan was meditating in his hut one night when a thief entered. Finding nothing of value, the thief was leaving empty-handed. Ryokan called out, " Wait!

Ry?kan Taigu (1758?1831) Read Full Story →

Xuefeng's "One Arrow, Three Vultures"

A monk asked Xuefeng, " When a student is at the point of death, is there any fault or not?" Xuefeng said, "What is the fault?" The monk said, "Then, after the point of death, what then?" Xuefeng said,

Xuefeng Yicun (822?908) Read Full Story →

No Water No Moon

A nun named Chiyono studied for years but could not find enlightenment. One night, carrying an old wooden pail, she was drawing water. The bamboo hoops that held the staves together broke. The pail fell apart.

Mugai Nyodai (1223?1298) Read Full Story →

The Empty Cup

A university professor visited Nan-in to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. " It is overfull. No more will go in!" "Like this cup," Nan-in said,

Nyogen Senzaki & Paul Reps (20th century compilation) Read Full Story →

Yunmen's "Barrier"

A monk asked Yunmen, " What is the barrier of the patriarchs?" Yunmen replied, "Why has this dried shit-stick passed through?"

Yunmen Wenyan (864?949) Read Full Story →

Ryonen's Clear Realization

The nun Ryonen was deeply troubled by the impermanence of beauty. She sought out the master Hakuin, presenting a poem she had written: " I longed to draw Ryonen's face in its youthful prime, but it has already vanished without a trace." Hakuin studied her verse. He then took his brush and boldly crossed out every character. Ryonen stared at the obliterated words. In that instant, she attained clear realization.

Hakuin Ekaku (1686?1769) Read Full Story →

Fayan's "Fire God Seeking Fire"

Fayan was traveling with two monks. He pointed to a roadside shrine and said, " All of you, it is a fire god. Why does it seek fire?" One monk said,

Fayan Wenyi (885?958) Read Full Story →

Inch Time Foot Gem

A governor visited Master Gudo and asked, " Is there a hell and a paradise?" Gudo replied, "Why do you ask?" The governor said,

Gudo Toshoku (1577?1661) Read Full Story →

Yangshan's "No Such Thing as Mind"

Yangshan was studying under Guishan. He asked, " What is the true abode of the Buddha?" Guishan replied, "To think the non-thinking through subtle reflection." Yangshan asked,

Yangshan Huiji (807?883) Read Full Story →

Mokusen's Hand

A monk named Mokusen was practicing in a temple. He always kept one hand tightly clenched. No one knew why. His master, Haryo, noticed this and asked, " Mokusen, why do you always keep your hand closed?" Mokusen replied,

Recorded by Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769) Read Full Story →

Every-Minute Zen

Zen master Sengai was visited by a student who asked, " What is every-minute Zen?" Sengai replied, "It is the Zen that is practiced in every minute, in every activity." The student was not satisfied. "That does not help me.

Sengai Gibon (1750?1837) Read Full Story →

Yantou's Last Word

The monk Yantou was renowned for his fierce teaching style. When bandits raided his temple, he let out a great shout. The bandits killed him. As he died, his final cry echoed through the mountains.

Recorded in the *Jingde Chuandeng Lu* (1004 CE) Read Full Story →

The Stingy Artist

A painter renowned for his bamboo was commissioned by a temple to create a screen. After many months, the abbot inquired about the work. The painter said it was not yet ready. A year passed, and again the painter said it was not ready. Two years passed.

Unknown (Classical Chinese koan) Read Full Story →

Xuedou's "Ox Passes Through"

A monk asked Master Xuedou, " When the ten thousand things return to the One, where does the One return to?" Xuedou replied, "When I was in Qingzhou I made a cloth shirt. It weighed seven *jin*."

Xuedou Chongxian (980?1052) Read Full Story →

Zhaozhou's "Dog Has No Buddha-Nature"

A monk asked Zhaozhou, " Does a dog have Buddha-nature or not?" Zhaozhou answered, "Wu."

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897) Read Full Story →

Wuxiang's "Three Phrases"

A monk asked Master Wuxiang, " What is the essence of the Dharma?" Wuxiang said, "No recollection, no thought, do not forget." The monk was puzzled and asked for further instruction. Wuxiang said,

Wuxiang (Korean: Musang, 684?762) Read Full Story →

The Wall-Gazing Brahmin

A brahmin was found standing before a wall, utterly still and silent. Bodhidharma saw him and asked, " Why are you standing here?" The brahmin replied,

Traditionally attributed to Bodhidharma (5th/6th century CE) Read Full Story →

Zonggao's "Bird's Path"

A monk asked Zonggao, " When the hundred grasses wither in the twelfth month, where does the bodhisattva of compassion place herself?" Zonggao replied, "Where the yellow flowers bloom, filling the ground with brocade." The monk asked, "When the cold comes, where does she go?" Zonggao said,

Dahui Zonggao (1089?1163) Read Full Story →

Huangbo's Dreg Swillers

A monk asked Huangbo, " What is the great meaning of the Buddha Dharma?" Huangbo struck him. The next day the monk returned and said, "Yesterday you struck me undeservedly." Huangbo struck him again.

Yuanwu Keqin (1063?1135) Read Full Story →

Nansen Kills the Cat

The monks of the eastern and western halls were arguing over a cat. Nansen, holding up the cat, said, " If any of you can speak a word of Zen, I will spare the cat. If you cannot, I will cut it in two." The monks could not answer.

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897), as recorded in *The Gateless Gate* (Wumenguan, 1228) Read Full Story →

Trading Dialogue for Lodging

A traveling nun sought lodging for the night at a temple. The master said, " A woman cannot stay here." The nun replied,

Unknown (from the *Shasekish?*, 13th century) Read Full Story →

Qingliao's "Silent Thunder"

A monk asked Master Qingliao, " The voices of all the buddhas are the voice of the Dharma. What is the voice of the Dharma?" Qingliao replied,

Qingliao Changqing (1089-1151) Read Full Story →

The Bridge of Zhaozhou

A monk asked Zhaozhou, " What is the meaning of the ancestral teacher's coming from the west?" Zhaozhou said, "The cypress tree in the courtyard." The monk said, "Do not use objects to instruct." Zhaozhou said,

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897) Read Full Story →

Banzan's "Turtle-Nosed Snake"

Banzan was walking through a market. He overheard a customer say to the butcher, " Give me the best piece of meat you have." The butcher replied, "Everything in my shop is the best. There is nothing here that is not the best." At these words, Banzan attained enlightenment.

Bankei Y?taku (1622?1693) Read Full Story →

Daoxin's "Liberation"

Daoxin, the Fourth Patriarch, was walking when he encountered a man who had tied himself to a tree with a rope. The man cried out, " Master, please liberate me!" Daoxin asked,

Traditional koan, recorded in texts such as the *Wumenguan* (13th century) Read Full Story →

Nanyue's "Polishing a Tile"

Mazu Daoyi spent his days sitting in meditation. His teacher, Nanyue Huairang, took a tile and began grinding it against a stone in front of the hermitage. Mazu asked, "

Recorded in the *Jingde Chuandeng Lu* (1004 CE) Read Full Story →

Three Pounds of Flax

A monk asked Dongshan, " What is Buddha?" Dongshan replied, "Three pounds of flax."

Dongshan Liangjie (807?869) Read Full Story →

Both Hands Clap

A monk asked Hakuin, " What is the sound of one hand clapping?" Hakuin praised the question. Later, a different monk asked, "I have heard of your 'one hand' teaching.

Hakuin Ekaku (1686?1769) Read Full Story →

Rinzai's "True Person"

Rinzai addressed the assembly, saying, " There is a true person of no rank, always going out and in through the gates of your face. Those who have not yet confirmed this, look! Look!"

Linji Yixuan (d. 866) Read Full Story →

Deshan's "Blow"

Deshan arrived at Longtan's temple, full of pride in his learning. He questioned Longtan late into the night. " It is late," said Longtan. "You should retire." Deshan bowed and lifted the door curtain to go. Seeing the darkness outside, he turned back. "It is dark," he said. Longtan lit a paper lantern and handed it to him.

Recorded in the *Wudeng Huiyuan* (Compendium of Five Lamps) Read Full Story →

Kyozan's "Mt. Sumeru"

Kyozan asked a monk, " Where have you come from?" The monk said, "From Rinzai."

Ky?zan Ejaku (807?883), from the *Record of Ky?zan* Read Full Story →

Nan-in's Tea Cup

A university professor visited Nan-in to inquire about Zen. Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor's cup full, and then kept on pouring. The professor watched the overflow until he could no longer restrain himself. " It is overfull. No more will go in!" "Like this cup," Nan-in said,

Traditional (attributed to Nan-in, 19th century) Read Full Story →

Dongshan's "Three Pounds of Hemp"

A monk asked the master Dongshan, " What is Buddha?" Dongshan replied, "Three pounds of hemp."

Dongshan Liangjie (807?869) Read Full Story →

Huike's Arm

Huike came to Bodhidharma and said, " My mind is not at peace. Please pacify it." Bodhidharma replied,

Attributed to Bodhidharma (5th-6th century CE) Read Full Story →

Finding a Diamond on a Muddy Road

Two monks, Tanzan and Ekido, were traveling down a muddy road. A heavy rain was falling. Coming around a bend, they met a lovely woman in a silk kimono unable to cross the muddy intersection. Tanzan at once lifted her in his arms and carried her across. The monks walked on in silence.

Nyogen Senzaki (1876?1958) Read Full Story →

Linji's "Shout"

A monk asked Linji, " What is the true meaning of the Buddha-Dharma?" Linji came down from his seat, seized the monk, gave him a slap, and then released him. The monk stood frozen. Linji shouted,

Linji Yixuan (d. 866) Read Full Story →

The Gates of Paradise

A soldier named Nobushige asked Hakuin, " Is there really a paradise and a hell?" Hakuin replied, "Who are you?" The soldier said, "I am a samurai." Hakuin scoffed, "You, a samurai?

Hakuin Ekaku (1686?1769) Read Full Story →

Mazu's "Mind is Buddha"

A monk asked Mazu, " What is Buddha?" Mazu replied, "Mind is Buddha." Later, the same monk asked again, "What is Buddha?" Mazu said, "No mind, no Buddha."

Mazu Daoyi (709?788) Read Full Story →

Great Master Ma's "Sun-Faced Buddha"

Great Master Ma was gravely ill. The temple steward asked him, " Venerable, how has your health been these days?" The master replied, "Sun-Faced Buddha, Moon-Faced Buddha."

Mazu Daoyi (709?788), as recorded in the *Jingde Chuandeng Lu*. Read Full Story →

Two Monks and the River

Two monks, an elder and a younger, were traveling. They came to a river where a young woman stood, unable to cross. Without a word, the elder monk picked her up, carried her across, set her down, and continued on his way. The younger monk followed, troubled.

Unknown (Classical Chinese koan) Read Full Story →

Your Light May Go Out

A monk asked master Dogo, " When the hundred thousand dharma-gates are not yet opened, how should I proceed?" Dogo said, "Your nature is not deficient; you are free to come and go. Why seek an opening?" The monk asked,

D?go Enchi (769?835) Read Full Story →

Masu's "Beyond the Hundred Negations"

A monk asked Master Masu, " Does a dog have Buddha-nature or not?" Masu replied, "It does not." The monk then asked, "All sentient beings have Buddha-nature.

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897), commenting on Mazu Daoyi (709?788) Read Full Story →

Ummon's Goose

A monk asked Master Ummon, " What about when a wild goose is separated from the flock?" Ummon said, "It goes into the ancient pond." The monk bowed. Ummon then grabbed him and shouted,

Yunmen Wenyan (864?949) Read Full Story →

Deshan Carries His Bundle

Deshan Xuanjian, a renowned scholar of the Diamond Sutra, traveled south to challenge the Chan teaching. He stopped at a roadside tea stall for refreshment. The old woman running the stall saw his bundles of commentaries and asked, " Venerable monk, what texts are you carrying?" Deshan proudly replied,

Various, compiled in the *Wudeng Huiyuan* (13th century) Read Full Story →

Medicine and Two Diseases

A monk asked Yaoshan, " I am ill. Please cure me." Yaoshan said, "I will cure you." The monk then asked,

Yaoshan Weiyan (745?828) Read Full Story →

Original Face

Master Hakuin asked a monk, " What is your original face before your parents were born?" The monk was silent.

Hakuin Ekaku (1686-1769) Read Full Story →

Yunmen's "Dried Shit Stick"

A monk asked Yunmen, " What is Buddha?" Yunmen replied, "A dried shit stick."

Yunmen Wenyan (864?949) Read Full Story →

Kyogen's Flagpole

Kyogen addressed his assembly, saying, " It is like a man up a hundred-foot pole. How can he advance further?" A monk asked, "What about the man up the hundred-foot pole?" Kyogen said,

Kyogen Chikan (d. 898) Read Full Story →

Guishan's "Whose House?"

Guishan was lying down. Yangshan came into the room. Guishan said, "

Guishan Lingyou (771?853), from *The Record of Guishan* Read Full Story →

Tozan's Sixty Blows

A monk asked Tozan, " What is the Buddha?" Tozan replied, "Three pounds of flax." The monk went to the master Joshu and told him of this exchange. Joshu said,

Recorded in *The Blue Cliff Record* (12th century) Read Full Story →

Guishan Plays with a Rat

Guishan was sitting with his disciple Yangshan. He saw a rat cross the floor, and said, " Look at this rat. It is a being of the Buddha-nature, yet it must hide from people and steal to live." Yangshan stepped forward, placed his bowl on the ground, and the rat ran into it. He then covered the bowl with his other bowl and stood before Guishan.

Guishan Lingyou (771?853) Read Full Story →

Zhenjing's "Ancient Mirror"

A monk asked master Zhenjing, " Before the ancient mirror was polished, what was it like?" Zhenjing replied, "The ancient mirror." The monk then asked, "After it is polished, what is it like?" Zhenjing said again, "The ancient mirror."

Zhenjing Wuxin (dates uncertain, Song Dynasty) Read Full Story →

Sozan's "Dead Cat Head"

A monk asked Sozan, " What is the most precious thing in the world?" Sozan replied, "The head of a dead cat."

Sozan Honjaku (9th century) Read Full Story →

Dizang's "Not Knowing"

Dizang asked Fayan, " Where are you going?" Fayan said, "I am wandering on pilgrimage."

Fayan Wenyi (885?958) Read Full Story →

Huiyuan's "Why Did Bodhidharma Come from the West?"

A monk asked Master Huiyuan, " Why did Bodhidharma come from the West?" Huiyuan replied, "The cypress tree in the garden."

Huiyuan of Mount Lu (334?416) Read Full Story →

Sengcan's "Nor Mind Nor Thought"

A monk asked Master Sengcan, " I beg you, Master, show me a way to liberation." Sengcan replied, "Who has bound you?"

Jianzhi Sengcan (d. 606) Read Full Story →

A Smile in His Lifetime

A monk asked Zhaozhou, " Does a dog have Buddha-nature or not?" Zhaozhou answered, "It does not." The monk then asked, "All sentient beings have Buddha-nature. Why does the dog not have it?" Zhaozhou replied,

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897) Read Full Story →

Yunmen's "Cake"

A monk asked Yunmen, " What is the talk that transcends the buddhas and patriarchs?" Yunmen said, "Cake."

Yunmen Wenyan (864?949) Read Full Story →

Jingqing's Wheel

A monk asked Jingqing, " The heavenly wheel turns without cease. Why does it not fall down?" Jingqing said, "Because it is skillfully made." The monk asked,

Jingqing Daofu (868?937) Read Full Story →

Gutei's Finger

Whenever Gutei was asked about Zen, he simply raised one finger. A young attendant began imitating him. When Gutei heard of this, he summoned the boy. " What is Zen?" he asked. The boy raised his finger.

Wumen Huikai (1183?1260) Read Full Story →

Hongren's "Original Nature"

The Fifth Patriarch Hongren, knowing the time to choose a successor had come, instructed his disciples to each compose a verse to reveal their understanding. Shenxiu, the head monk, wrote on the monastery wall: " The body is the Bodhi tree, the mind a bright mirror stand. Constantly strive to keep it polished, and let no dust alight." The assembly praised it. An illiterate novice named Huineng heard the verse recited and asked someone to write his own beside it: "Bodhi is fundamentally no tree, nor is the bright mirror a stand.

Unknown (from the *Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch*) Read Full Story →

Wuxue's "Moon in Water"

A monk asked Master Wuxue, " How is it when the clear mirror is on its stand?" Wuxue replied, "The sky is high, and the earth is thick."

Wuxue Zuyuan (1226?1286) Read Full Story →

Dried Shit Stick

A monk asked Yunmen, " What is Buddha?" Yunmen replied, "Dried shit stick."

Yunmen Wenyan (864?949) Read Full Story →

Tozan's "Three Pounds of Flax"

A monk asked Tozan, " What is Buddha?" Tozan replied, "Three pounds of flax."

Dongshan Liangjie (807?869) Read Full Story →

Zhenxie's "Clear Eyed"

A monk asked Master Zhenxie Qingliao, " What is the meaning of Bodhidharma coming from the West?" Zhenxie said, "The clear-eyed still fall into the pit."

Zhenxie Qingliao (1089?1151) Read Full Story →

Everyday Mind is the Way

Mazu Daoyi was practicing diligently. His teacher, Nanyue Huairang, went to him and saw him sitting in meditation. Nanyue asked, "

Mazu Daoyi (709?788) / Nanyue Huairang (677?744) Read Full Story →

Yuanding's "Stone Woman Gives Birth"

A monk asked Zen master Yuanding, " What is the meaning of 'the stone woman gives birth at night'?" Yuanding said, "No place to lay your head." The monk said, "What is the place where she gives birth?" Yuanding replied,

Yuanding Qingyu (c. 11th-12th century) Read Full Story →

The Sound of One Hand

A monk asked Hakuin, " What is the sound of one hand clapping?" Hakuin said, "Show me your one hand." The monk then raised one hand. Hakuin said,

Hakuin Ekaku (1686?1769) Read Full Story →

Baizhang's "Fox"

Whenever Baizhang gave a lecture, an old man would stay behind to listen. One day after the others left, the old man remained. Baizhang asked, "

Recorded in the *Wumenguan* (1228) and *Bi-yan-lu* (1125) Read Full Story →

Bodhidharma's "I Don't Know"

Emperor Wu of Liang asked Bodhidharma, " What is the highest meaning of the holy truths?" Bodhidharma said, "Vast emptiness, nothing holy." The Emperor then asked, "Who stands before me?" Bodhidharma replied,

Attributed to Bodhidharma (5th-6th century CE), recorded in the *Biyan Lu* (Blue Cliff Record, 12th century) Read Full Story →

Zongmi's "One Bright Pearl"

A monk asked Zongmi, " What is the one bright pearl?" Zongmi called to his attendant, "Fetch the scripture box." The attendant brought it. Zongmi said, "Return it to its place." After the attendant had done so, he asked again, "What is the one bright pearl?" Zongmi said,

Guifeng Zongmi (780?841) Read Full Story →

Zishou's "Mirror and Stand"

Zishou of Changsha was polishing a tile. A monk approached and asked, " What are you doing?" Zishou said, "Polishing it into a mirror." The monk said,

Changsha Jingcen (c. 9th century) Read Full Story →

Dongshan Three Pounds of Hemp

A monk asked Dongshan, " What is Buddha?" Dongshan replied, "Three pounds of hemp."

Dongshan Liangjie (807?869) Read Full Story →

Qinshan and the Arrow

Qinshan was practicing archery. An arrow stuck in the target, but another arrow hit and split it. A monk asked, " What about the first arrow?" Qinshan said, "It got through." The monk was puzzled.

Recorded in the *Jingde Chuandeng Lu* (1004 CE) Read Full Story →

Open Your Own Treasure House

Daibai asked Baso, " What is the Buddha?" Baso replied, "This very mind is Buddha." Later, Daibai became a teacher. A monk asked him, "What is the Buddha?" Daibai answered, "This very mind is Buddha." Baso heard of this and sent a monk to ask Daibai, "What did you learn from the master to teach in this way?" When Daibai gave the same answer, the monk said, "Baso's teaching has changed.

Mazu Daoyi (709?788) / Recorded in the *Wumenguan* (Case 30) Read Full Story →

Wuzhun's "Cypress Tree"

A monk asked Zhaozhou, " Does a dog have Buddha-nature or not?" Zhaozhou answered, "Wu." The monk was unsatisfied and asked, "All sentient beings have Buddha-nature. Why does a dog not have it?" Zhaozhou replied,

Zhaozhou Congshen (778?897) Read Full Story →