From
The Gateless
Gate:
A Collection Of
Zen
Koans
By Ekai, Called MUMON
Chapter 14: Nansen Cuts The Cat In Two
Nansen Oshu saw the monks of the eastern and western halls
quarreling over a cat. He held up the cat and said "If you
can give an answer, you will save the cat. If not, I will
kill it.". No one could answer, and Nansen cut the cat in
two.
That evening Joshû returned, and Nansen told him of
the incident. Joshû took off his sandals, placed them
on his head, and walked out.
"If you had been there, you would have saved the cat" Nansen
remarked. |
MUMON's Comment:
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Tell me: what did Joshû mean when he put his
sandals on his head?
If you can give a turning word on this, you will see that
Nansen's decree was carried out with good reason.
If not, "Danger!"
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MUMON's Verse:
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Had Joshû been there,
He would have done the opposite.
When the sword is snatched away,
Even Nansen begs for his life. |
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