ZEN STORIES

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!" A monk stepped forward and asked, "What is this true man of no rank?" Linji descended from his seat, seized the monk, and demanded, "Speak! Speak!" The monk hesitated. Linji released him, shoved him away, and said, "The true man of no rank what a dried-up shit-stick!"