Kashyapa’s golden robe
take it up if you want.
It won’t fit at all well
Knock down the flagpole
or, if you want
just eat the flag.
A reflection on case 22 of the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate)
Kashyapa’s golden robe
take it up if you want.
It won’t fit at all well
Knock down the flagpole
or, if you want
just eat the flag.
A reflection on case 22 of the Mumonkan (The Gateless Gate)
YAKUSAN HOLDS IT 鐵笛倒吹 十
Sit just above
the peak of the highest mountain
and reach up with open fingers,
what will you grasp?
Walk slowly across
the floor of the deepest sea,
what do you see below you?
If you have
three daughters
is any one
less beautiful
than the others?
JOSHU COVERS HIS HEAD 鐵笛倒吹 十一
When you enter a room
and sit with your teacher
what is it you expect?
He will not follow your breath
nor should you count his,
simply cover your head
and retreat.
He will offer nothing
and that is
quite everything
you require.
I
How do you make
an axe handle
if you have no axe?
Sharpen your mind.
II
How do you hear
a tree fall in the forest
if you are in the city?
Turn a deaf ear.
III
How do you find
the path to enlightenment
if you have no Master?
Stop seeking it.