Dharma Talks on the Mumonkan
Mumonkan, Case #6, The World-Honoured One Twirls a Flower
CASE Once, in ancient times, when the World-Honored One was at Mount Grdhrakūta to give a talk, he twirled a flower before his assembled disciples. All were silent. Only Mahakashyapa broke into ...
Mumonkan, Case #7, Joshu’s “Wash Your Bowl”
THE CASE A monk said to Jôshu, “I have just entered this monastery. Please give me instruction.” Jôshu said, “Have you eaten your rice gruel?” The monk said, “Yes, I have.” Jôshu ...
Case #26, Two Monks Roll Up the Blinds
Hôgen points you to a realization of the unity of essential sameness and difference, of the relative and the absolute, form and emptiness. ...
Case #27, Nansen’s Not Mind, Not Buddha, Not a Thing
A monk asked Nansen, “Is there a fundamental truth that has never been expounded for people?” Nansen said, “There is.” ...
Case #28, Ryûtan’s Name Echoes On and On
The Case Tokusan (Ch. Deshan) visited Ryûtan and questioned him sincerely far into the night. It grew late and Ryûtan said, “Why don’t you retire?” Tokusan made his bows and lifted the ...