Guishan's "Whose House?"
Guishan was lying down.
Yangshan came into the room.
Guishan said,
"
Hui Ji, is that you?" Yangshan said,
"Yes." Guishan said,
"I had a dream.
Interpret it for me." Yangshan brought a basin of water and a towel.
Guishan washed his face and sat up.
Xiangyan then entered.
Guishan said,
"Hui Ji and I have shared a subtle communication.
This is no ordinary matter." Xiangyan said,
"I was next door and overheard." Guishan said,
"Why don't you try to interpret it?" Xiangyan made a bowl of tea and brought it in.
Guishan said,
"You two disciples surpass even Shariputra and Maudgalyayana with your wondrous activity."
Reflection
Guishan's dream interpretation by his disciples Yangshan and Xiangyan demonstrates that true understanding is shown through action, not words. Yangshan brings water and a towel (for washing the dream away); Xiangyan brings tea (for refreshing after the dream). Neither tries to analyze the dream's meaning. The koan shows that awakened activity is spontaneous, appropriate, and utterly practical.