Dai Bosatsu

DAI BOSATSU ROKU
A newly organized Rinzai Zen Koan system for Western students
(Not Final)
Compiled by:
Muishitsu Eido Sotai Roshi
Dai Bosatsu Zenda Kongo-ji
Livingston Manor, New York

I
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0 A I B 0 S A T S U R 0 KU
DAI BOSATSU ZENOO KONGO-JI

NEW YORK

I
INTRODUCTION
DAI BOSATSU ROKU
Again and again I say that there is only one koan. In

the Rinzai Zen tradition, Joshu's "Mu" is considered that one koan.
However, one koan has many aspects. Hakuin Zenji divided these
aspects into five categories.
Genuine insight is no other than the realization of zero-
ness of our being--that is sunyata [Hosshin--Dharmakaya, Category
I]. One of the aspects of sunyata is to see the dynamic activity
of Dharma [Kikan--Dynamism, Category II]. Still another aspect of
sunyata is to appreciate the dialog through verbal expression
[Gonsen--Verbal Expression, Catego~y III]. The other aspects of
sunyata are so near, hence, easy to miss; consequently, difficult
to pass [ Nanto--Diff icul t to Pass, Category IV]. The last categ-o ry
is Kojo--Endless Integration [Category V], which includes Goi, The
Five Ranks and The Ten Precepts.

Here I have selected about 100 koans but did not
categorize them. I am planning to add about 10 more koans from The
Transmission of the Lamp in the near future. Also, it is my
intention to ask the students to present Jakugo, or "capping
phrases," for selected koans. At any rate, I am convinced if these
are thoroughly digested and looked into with genuine insight, one
by one, we can cultivate the perspectives of our vistas. Thus,

insight and ordinary life will be, and must be, intermingled.
Introduction
Dai Bosatsu Roku
Page Two
Also, as you see, I added Miscellaneous Koans, both East and West
(p.2- p.6).
I present this to you as an incomplete, experimental
compilation. It is not particularly secret but just to avoid its
misuse by a person who either does not have deep understanding in
koan practice or does not have enough training with his or her
teacher, do not make any photo copies or spread around. I only
made ten copies for the monks and nuns ordained by me.
It is my sincere wish that by the beginning of the 21st
Century the final Dai Bosatsu Roku will be compiled for Rinzai Zen
practice in the West.
May, 1990
1
JOSIJU'S MU
Main Subject:
A monk asked Joshu, "Has a dog Buddha Nature?" Joshu answered,

"Mu."
[Gateless Gate, Case 1]
Before Miscellaneous Koans
I
2
MISCELLANEOUS KOANS
l. What is the root of Mu? ~

[What is the ultimate source of Mu?]
2. What is the sound of one hand?
3. What will happen when the hand is cut in two?
4. Stop the distant temple gong.
5. What is the color of the rain and where does wind come from?
6. The Diamond Sutra says, "All Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and

Patriarchs are from this sutra." What is this sutra?
7. The Diamond Sutra says, "All &re created equal. There is no

high, there is no low." Why then is Mount McKinley high and
Mount Dai Bosatsu low?
8. The Diamond Sutra says, "Past mind is ungraspable, present

mind is ungraspable, future mind is ungraspable." With which
mind do you practice Mu?
9. The Diamond sutra says, "All composite things are like a

dream, a fantasy, a bubble and a shadow, are like a dew drop
and a flash of lightning, they are thus to be regarded."
Observe this verse.
10. Climb out from the deep well with no ladder or rope to assist
you.
11. A monk asked, "What is Tao?" The master replied, "An en-
lightened man falls into the well."
12. How old is Manjusri Bodhisattva?
'
3
MISCELLANEOUS KOANS FROM WESTERN SOURCES
13. Little flower--but if I c~~ld understand what you are, root

and all, and all in all, I should know what God and man is.
Who is he?
--ALFRED LORD TENNYSON
14. I know that without me God cannot live for an instant: if I

perish he must needs give up the ·ghost. How does he do it?
--JOHANNES SCHEFFLER
15. The eye with which I see God is the very eye with which God
sees me. What is the size of the eye?
--MEISTER ECKHART
•
16. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. How has it
been done?
--THE LORD'S PRAYER
17. When God created the heavens, the earth, and creatures, he
did not work; he had nothing to do; he made no effort. Why
then do we say that God created the heaven and the earth?
--MEISTER ECKHART
18. Everywhere (in the Psalms) is the exhortation to praise the

Lord, and God demands praise from men. ~ are we to praise
the Lord?
--C.S. LEWIS
19. He that findeth his life shall lose it, and he that loseth
his life for my sake shall find it. Find your life!
--NEW TESTAMENT
20. Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would
come. His answer was, "The Kingdom of God does not come in
s uch a way as to be seen. No one will s a y, 'Look, h ere i t
is!' or, 'There it is!' because the Kingdom of God is within
you. 11
--LUKE 17
4
KOAN PAIRS FROM WEST AND EAST
21. A fool sees not the same tree that a wise man sees.
--WILLIAM BLAKE
22. Followers of the Way, as to Buddha-Dharma no effort is

necessary. You have only to be ordinary with nothing to
do--defecating, urinating, putting on clothes, eating food
and lying down when tired.~
Fools laugh at me, but
The wise man understands.
--RINZAI
* * * * *
23. If the doors of perception were cleansed everything would
appear as it is, infinite.
--WILLIAM BLAKE
24. Ganto said, "If you want to know the last word, I'll tell you
simply--This! This!"
--BLUE ROCK COLLECTION, CASE ~1
25. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of
heaven. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the
earth.
--NEW TESTAMENT
26. If a man seeks Buddha, he'll lose Buddha; if he seeks the

Way, he'll lose the Way; if he seeks the patriarchs, he'll
lose the patriarchs.
--RINZAI
* * * * *
27. Blessed be he who will snatch up a Babylonian baby and beat
its brains out against the pavement.
--PSALMS
28. Whatever you encounter, slay it at once: on meeting a buddha

slay the buddha; on meeting a patriarch slay the patriarch;
on meeting the arhat slay the arhat; on meeting your parents
slay your parents; on meeting your kinsman slay your kinsman;
and you attain emancipation.
--RINZAI
5
29. Great things are done when men and mountains meet;
This is not done by jostling in the street.
--WILLIAM BLAKE
30. A monk asked Master Ummon, "Where do all the buddhas and
patriarchs come from?" Ummon replied, "Eastern Mountain walks
on water."
--UMMON
* * * * *
31. Then Pilate said to Jesus, "Do you not hear how many things
they witness against you?" And Jesus gave him no answer, not
even one word.
--NEW TESTAMENT
32. A monk once asked Master Fuketsu; "Both speaking and silence
are concerned with oneness or manyness. How can we be free
and nontransgressing?" Fuketsu said:
"How fondly I remember Konan in March!
The partridges are calling, and the
flowers are fragrant."
--GATELESS GATE, CASE 24
* * *' * *
33. Therefore I say unto you, be not anxious for your life, what
you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor yet for your
body, what you shall put on. Is not the life more than the
food, and the body more than the raiment? ... Consider the
lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither
do they spin; yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all
his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
--NEW TESTAMENT
34. Seizei said to Sozan, "I am utterly destitute. Will you

give me support?" Sozan called out, "Seizei!" Seizei
responded, "Yes, sir!" Sozan said, "You have finished three
cups of the finest wine in China, and still you say you have
not yet moistened your lips!"
* * * * *
35. And the fire and the rose are one.
--T.S. ELIOT
36. The master swordsman

Is like the lotus blooming in the fire
--TOZAN
6
37. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

--PSALMS
38. Master Kyogen said, "It is like a man up a tree who hangs from
a branch by his mouth; his hands cannot grasp a bough, his
feet cannot touch the tree. Another man comes under the tree
and asks him the meaning of Bodhidharrna's corning from the
West. If he does not answer, he does not meet the ques-
tioner's need. If he answers, he will lose his life. At
such a time, how should h~ answer?
* * * * *
39. ESTRAGON: Let's go.
VLADIMIR: We can't.
ESTRAGON: Why not?
VLADIMIR: We're waiting for Godot.
--SAMUEL BECKETT
40. A monk asked Koyo Seijo, "Daitsu Chisho Buddha sat in zazen
for ten kalpas and could not attain buddhahood. He did not
become a buddha. How could this be?"
7
THE WESTERN BARBARIAN WITH NO BEARD

A
Main Subject:
Wakuan said, "Why has the Western Barbarian no beard?"
(Gateless Gate, Case 4)

8
KYOGEN'S "MAN UP IN A TREE"
Main Subject:
Kyogen Osho said, "It is like a man up in a tree hanging

from a branch with his mouth; his hands grasp no bough, his feet
rest on no limb. Someone appears under the tree and asks him,
'What is the meaning of Bodhidharrna's corning from the West?' If
he does not answer, he fails to respond to the question. If he
does answer, he will lose his life. What would you do in such a
situation?

9
THE BUDDHA HO~S OUT A FLOWER
Main Subject:
When Shakyamuni Buddha was at Mount Grdhrakuta, he held

out a flower to his listeners. Everyone was silent. Only
Mahakashyapa broke into a broad smile. The Buddha said, "I have
the True Dharma Eye, the Marvelous Mind of Nirvana, the True Form
of the Formless, and the Subtle Dharma Gate, independent of words
and transmitted beyond doctrine. This I have entrusted to
Mahakashyapa."
Human's Comment:
Golden-faced Gautama really disregarded his listeners.

He made the good look bad and sold dog's meat labeled as mutton.
He himself thought it was wonderful. If, however, everyone in . the
audience had laughed, how could he have transmitted his True Eye?
And again, if Mahakashyapa had not smiled, how could the Buddha
have transmitted it? If you say the True Eye of Dharma can be
transmitted, then the golden-faced old man would be a city slicker
who cheats the country bumpkin. If you say it cannot be
transmitted, then why did the Buddha approve of Mahakashyapa?

10
DAITSU CHISHO BUDDHA
Main Subject:
A monk asked Koyo Sei jo, "Dai tsu Chisho Buddha sat in
zazen for ten kalpas and could not attain Buddhahood. He did not
become a Buddha. How could this be?" Seijo said, "Your question
is quite self-explanatory." The monk asked, "He meditated so long;
why could he not attain Buddhahood?" Seijo said, "Because he did
not become a Buddha."

11
JOSHU SEES THE HERMITS
Main Subject:
Joshu went to a hermit's cottage and asked, "Is the

master in? Is the master in?" The hermit raised his fist. Joshu
said, "The water is too shallow to anchor here," and he went away.
Coming to another hermit's cottage, he asked again, "Is

the master in? Is the master in?' This hermit, too, raised his
fist. Joshu said, "Free to give, free to take, free to kill, free
to save," and he made a deep bow.

12
WHEN THE BELL SOUNDS
Main Subject:
Ummon said, "The world is vast and wide. Why do you put
on your seven-piece robe at the sound of the bell?"
(Gateless Gate, Case 16]

13
CHU THE NATIONAL T~CHER GIVES THREE CALLS
Main Subject:
The National Teacher called his attendant three times,

and three i tmes the attendant responded. The National Teacher
said, "I long feared that I was transcending you, but really it was
you who were transcending me."
'"
14
TOZAN' S "MASAGIN"
A
Main Subject:
A monk asked To zan, "What is Buddha?" Tozan replied,

"Masagin!" [three pounds of flax].

15
KASHYAPA' S "KNOCK DOWN THE FLAGPOLE"

~
Main Subject:
Ananda asked Kashyapa, "The World-honored One gave you

the golden robe; did he give you anything else?" "Ananda!" cried
Kashyapa. "Yes, sir!" answered Ananda. "Knock down the flagpole
at the gate," said Kashyapa.

16
KYOZAN'S DREAM
Main Subject:
In a dream Kyozan Osho went to Maitreya's place and was

led i n to sit in the third seat. A senior monk struck with a gavel
and said, "Today the one in the third seat will speak." Kyozan
rose and, striking with the gavel, said, "The truth of Mahayana is
beyond the four propositions and transcends the hundred negations.
Taicho! Taicho! [Hear the truth!]

17
HANSEN'S "NOT MIND, ~OT BUDDHA, NOT THINGS"
Main Subject:
A monk asked Nansen, "Is there any Dharma that has not
been preached to the people?" Nansen answered, "There is." "What
is the truth that has not been taught?" asked the monk. Nansen
said, "It is not mind; it is not Buddha; it is not things."

18
THE SIXTH PATRIARCH'S "YOUR MIND MOVES"
Main Subject:
The wind was flapping a temple flag, and two monks
started an argument. One said the flag moved, the other said the
wind moved; they argued back and forth but could not reach a
conclusion. The Sixth Patriarch said, "It is not the wind that
moves, it is not the flag that moves; it is your mind that moves."
The two monks were awe-struck.
19
BASO'S "THIS VERY ~ MIND IS THE BUDDHA 11
Main Subject:
Daibai asked Baso, "What is the Buddha?" Baso answered,

"This very mind is the Buddha. 11

20
SEIJO'S SOUL SEPARATED
Main Subject:
Goso said to his monks, "Seijo's soul separated from her
being. Which was the real Seijo?"

21
WHEN YOU MEET A MAN OF THE WAY
Main Subject:
Goso said, "When you meet a man of the Way on the path,
do not meet him with words or with silence. Tell me, how will you
meet him?"

22
JOSHU Is OAK TREE
Main Subject:
A monk asked Joshu, "What is the meaning of Bodhidharma 's

coming to China?" Joshu said, "The oak tree in the garden."

23
A BUFFALO PASSES THE WINDOW

~
Main Subject:
Goso said, "A buffalo passes by the window. His head,

horns, and four legs all go past. But why can't the tail pass
too?"

24
BODHIDHARMA'S MIND-PACIFYING
Main Subject:
Bodhidharma sat facing the wall. The Second Patriarch

stood in the snow. He cut off his arm and presented it to
Bodhidharma, crying, "My mind has no peace as yet! I beg you,
master, please pacify my mind!" "Bring your mind here and I will
pacify it for you," replied Bodhidharma. "I have searched for my
mind, and I cannot take hold of it," said the Second Patriarch.
"Now your mind is pacified," said Bodhidharma.
25
SHUZAN'S SHIPPEI
~
Main Subject:
Shuzen Osho held up a shippei [staff of office] before
his disciples and said, "You monks! If you call this a shippei,
you oppose its reality. If you do not call it a shippei, you
ignore the fact. Tell me, you monks, what will you call it?"

26
BASHo:s STAFF
Main Subject:
Basho Osho said to his disciples, "If you have a staff,

I will give you a staff. If you have no staff, I will take it from
you."
"To those that have, more will be given. To those that do not
have, it will be taken from them."
[Christ, New Testament]

27
HOEN'S "WHO IS HE?"

A
Main Subject:
Hoen of Tozan said, "Even Shakya and Maitreya are

servants of another. I want to ask you, who is he?"

28
TOSOTSU'S TpREE BARRIERS
Main Subject:
Tosotsu Etsu Osho set up three barriers for his disciples:
l. You leave no stone unturned to explore profundity, simply

to see into your true nature. Now, I want to ask you,
just at this moment, where is your true nature?
2. If you realize your true nature, you are free from life
and death. Tell me, when your eyesight deserts you at the
last moment, how can you be free from life and death?
3. When you set yourself free from life and death, you should
know your ultimate destination. So when the four elements
separate, where will you go?

29
FURAKU INGA -- The enlightened man does not fall into the yoke of
causation.
FUMAI INGA The enlightened man is not deceived by the state of

causation.
HYAKUJO'S FOX
Main Subject:
When Hyakujo Osho delivered a certain series of sermons,

an old man always followed the monks to the main hall and listened
to him. When the monks left the hall, the old man would also
leave. One day, however, he remained behind, and Hyakujo asked
him, "Who are you, standing here before me?" The old man replied,
"I am not a human being. In the old days of Kashyapa Buddha, I was
a head monk, living here on this mountain. One day a student asked
me, 'Does a man of enlightenment fall into the yoke of causation or
not? I answered, 'No. he does not.' Since then I have been doomed
to undergo five hundred rebirths as a fox. I beg you now to give
the turning word to release me from my life as a fox. Tell me,
does a man of enlightenment fall into the yoke of causation or
not?" Hyakujo answered, "He does not ignore causation." No sooner
had the old man heard these words than he was enlightened. Making
his bows, he said, "I am emancipated from my life as a fox. I
shall remain on this mountain. I have a favor to ask of . you:
would you please bury my body as that of a dead monk."
Hyakujo had the director of the monks strike with the

gavel and inform everyone that after the midday meal there would be
a funeral service for a dead monk. The monks wondered at this,
saying, "Everyone is in good health; nobody is in the sick ward.
What does this mean?" After the meal Hyakujo led the monks to the
foot of a rock on the far side of the mountain and with his staff
poked out the dead body of a fox and performed the ceremony of
cremation. That evening he ascended the rostrum and told the monks
the whole story. Obaku thereupon asked him, "The old man gave the
wrong answer and was doomed to be a fox for five hundred rebirths.
Now, suppose he had given the right answer, what would have
happened then?" Hyakujo said, "You come here to me, and I will
tell you." Obaku went to Hyakujo and boxed his ears. Hyakujo
clapped his hands with a laugh and exclaimed, "I was thinki ng that
the barbarian had a red beard, but now I see before me the red-
bearded barbarian himself."

30
EMPEROR WU ApKS BODHIDHARMA
Main Subject:
Emperor Wu of Liang asked Bodhidharma, "What is the first
principle of the holy teachings?" Bodbidharma said, "Emptiness, no
holiness." "Who is this standing before me?" "No knowing." The
emperor did not grasp his meaning. Thereupon Bodhidharma crossed
the river and went to the land of Wei.
The emperor later spoke of this to Shiko, who said, "Do
you in fact know who this person is?" The emperor said, "No
knowing." Shiko said, "This is the Bodhisattva Kannon, the bearer
of the Buddha's Heart Seal.'' The ~mperor was full of regret and
wanted to send for Bodhidharma, but Shiko said, "It is no good
sending a messenger to fetch him back. Even if all the people
went. he would not turn back."
[Blue Rock Collection, Case 1]

31
SEPPO'S "A GRAIN OF RICE"
Main Subject:
Seppo addressed the assembly and said, "All the great

world, if I pick it up with my fingertips, is found to be like a
grain of rice. I throw it in front of your face, but you do not
see it. Beat the drum, telling the monks to come out to work, and
search for it."

32
UMMON'S "EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY"
Main Subject:
Ummon addressed the assembly and said, "I am not asking you about
the days before the fifteenth of the month. But what about after
the fifteenth? Come and give me a word about those days." And he
himself gave the answer for them: "Every day is a good day.''

33
JOSHU'S FOUR GATES
Main Subject:
A monk asked Joshu, "What is Joshu?" Joshu said, "The

East Gate, the West Gate, the North Gate, the South gate."

34
OBAKU'S "PARTAKER_:) OF BREWER'S GRAIN"
Main Subject:
Obaku addressed the assembly and said, "You are all

partakers of brewer's grain. If you go on studying Zen like that,
you will never finish it. Do you know that in all the land of
T'ang there is no Zen teacher?" Then a monk carne forward and said,
"But surely there are those who teach disciples and preside over
the assemblies. What about that?" Obaku said, "I do not say that
there is no Zen. but that there is no Zen teacher."

35
KYORIN'S "SITTING LONG AND GETTING TIRED"

A
Main Subject:
A monk asked Kyorin, "What is the meaning of

Bodhidharma's coming from the West?" .Kyorin said, "Sitting long
and getting tired."

36
EMPEROR SHUKUSO ASKS ABQUT THE STYLE OF THE PAGODA
Main Subject:
Emperor Shukoso asked Chu Kokushi , "When you are a

hundred years old, what shall I do for you?" Kokushi answered,
"Make a seamless pagoda for this old monk." The emperor said, "I
should like to ask you, what style is it to be?" Kokushi remained
silent for a while. And then he said, "Do you understand?" "No,
I do not," said the emperor. "I have a disciple called Tangen,"
said Kokushi, "who has the Dharma Seal transmitted by me. He is
well versed in this matter. Ask him, please." After Kokushi's
death, the emperor sent to Tangen and asked him about it. Tangen
said,
"South of Sho and north of Tan,
In between, gold abounds,
The ferryboat under the shadowless tree,
No holy one in the emerald palace you see."

37
RYUGE ASKS SpiBI AND RINZAI
Main Subject:
Ryuge asked Suibi, "What is the meaning of Bodhidharma's

coming from the West?" Suibi said, . "Pass me the board" [ chin
rest]. Ryuge passed the board to Suibi, who took it and hit Ryuge
with it. Ryuge said, "If you strike me, I will let you. But after
all, there is no meaning in Bodhidharma's coming from the West."
Ryuge asked Rinzai, too, "What is the meaning of

Bodhidharma 's coming from the West?" Rinzai said, "Pass me the
cushion." Ryuge passed the cushion to Rinzai, who took it and hit
Ryuge with it. Ryuge said, "If ydu strike me, I will let you. But
after all, there is no meaning ih Bodhidharma's coming from the
West."
Setcho's Verse:
Overwhelming the evening clouds gathering into one

mass,
Endlessly arising distant mountains, blue heaped
upon bluel
Observe this verse.

38
CHIMON'S LOTUS FLOWER AND LOTUS LEAVES

~
Main Subject:
A monk asked Chimon, "What will the lotus flower be when

it has not yet come out of the water?." Chimon said, "The lotus
flower." "What about when it is out of the water?" "The lotus
leaves."

39
HYAKUJO SITS ON THE GREAT SUBLIME PEAK
Main Subject:
A monk asked Hyakujo, "What is the most wonderful thing?"

Jo said, "I sit alone on this Great Sublime Peak." The monk made
a bow. Jo struck him.

40
UMMON' S "GOLDEN BREEZE"

~
Main Subject:
A monk asked Ummon, "What will it be when trees wither

and leaves fall?" Ummon said, "You embody the golden breeze."

41
JOSHU'S "A BIG RADISH"

~
Main Subject:
A monk asked Joshu, "I have heard that you closely

followed Nansen. Is that true?" Joshu said, "Chinshu produces a
big radish."

42
MANJUSRI 'S "TIJREES AND THREES'
Main Subject:
Man jusri asked Muchaku, "Where have you recently come

from?" Muchaku said, "From the south .1' "How is Southern Buddhism
faring?" asked Manjusri. "The monks of the latter days of the Law
observe the Buddha's precepts a little," Muchaku answered. "Are
there many or few?" "Here about three hundred, there around five
hundred."
Then Muchaku asked Manjusri, "How does Buddhism fare in

your part of the world?" Manjusri said, "The worldly and the holy
are living together; dragons and snakes are mingled." "Are there
many or few?" "The former threes and threes, the latter threes and
threes."

43
BAN ZAN'S "THREE ~ WORLDS ' NO DHARMA"
Main Subject:
Ban zan said to his disciples, "In the three worlds, there
is no Dharma. Where could you find the mind?"
This tune, another tune, no one understands;

Rain has passed, leaving the pond brimming
in the Autumn night.
Observe this verse.

44
UMMON Is "KAYAKURAN''
Main Subject:
A monk asked Ummon, "What is the pure body of the
Buddha?" Ummon said, "Kayakuran" [the fence around a flower
garden]. The monk said, "How about if I understand it like that?"
Ummon said, "The golden-haired lion."
[Blue Rock Collection, Case 39)

45
HO KOJI 'S 11 BEAQTIFUL SNOWFLAKES"
Main Subject:
Ho Koji was leaving Yakusan. Yakusan let ten zenkaku [Zen

students] escort him to the temple gate to bid him farewell. Koji
pointed to the falling snowflakes and said, "Beautiful snowflakes,
one by one; but they fall nowhere else." Then one of the zenkaku,
named Zen Zenkaku, said "Then where do they fall?" Koji gave him
a slap. Zen said, "Koji! You shouldn't be so abrupt." Koji said,
"If you are like that and call yourself a zenkaku, Emma will never
let you go." Zen said, "What about yourself?" Koji gave him
another slap and said, "You look, but you are like a blind man; you
speak, but you are like a deaf-mute."

46
TO ZEN 1 S "NO~ COLD OR HEAT"
Main Subject:
A monk said to Tozan, "Cold and heat descend upon us.

How can we avoid them?" Tozan said, "Why don't you go where there
is no cold or heat?" The monk said, "Shiver when it's cold; sweat
when it's hot."

47
KASAN'S "BEATING THE DRUM"
Main Subject:
Kasan said, "Learning by study is called 'hearing';

learning no more is called 'nearness'~ transcending these two is
'true passing."' A monk asked, "What is 'true passing'?" Kasan
said, "Beating the drum." The monk asked again, "What is the true
teaching of the Buddha?" Kasan said, "Beating the drum." The monk
asked once more, "I would not ask you about 'This very mind is the
Buddha,' but what is 'No mind, no Buddha'?" Kasan said, "Beating
the drum." The monk still continued to ask: "When an enlightened
one comes, how do you treat him?" Kasan said, "Beating the drum."

48
JOSHU'S SEVEN-POUND HEMPEN SHIRT
Main Subject:
A monk asked Joshu, "All the Dharmas are reduced to

oneness, but what is oneness reduced ta?" Joshu said, "When I was
in Seishu I made a hempen shirt. It weighed seven pounds."

49
UMMON Is "BEYOND THE SIX''

A
Main Subject:
A monk asked Ummon, "What is the Dharmakaya?" Ummon

said, "Beyond the six."

so
UMMON'S "PARTICLE AFTER PARTICLE'S SAMADHI"

A
Main Subject:
A monk asked Urnrnon, "What is particle after particle's

sarnadhi?" Urnrnon said, "Rice in the bowl, water in the pail."

51
HYAKUJO AND A WILD DUCK
Main Subject:
When Baso was out walking with Hyakujo, he saw a wild

duck fly past. Baso said, "What is i ·t ?" Hyakujo said, "It is a
wild duck." Baso said, "Where is it?" Hyakujo said, "It has flown
away." Baso at last gave Hyakujo's nose a sharp pinch. Hyakujo
cried out with pain. Baso said, "There, how can it fly away?"

52
DOGO' S 11 I WOULD NOT TELL YOU"
Main Subject:
One day Doge, accompanied by his disciple Zengen, went

to visit a family in which a funeral was to take place, in order
to express sympathy. Zengen touched the coffin and said, "Tell me,
please, is this life or is this death?" Doge said, "I would not
tell you whether it is life or it is death." Zengen said, "Why
don't you tell me?" Doge said, "No, I would not tell you." On
their way home, Zengen said, "Osho, please be kind enough to tell
me. If not, I will hit you." Doge said, "Strike me if you like,
but I would not tell you."

53
UMMON'S STAFF BECOMING A DRAGON
Main Subject:
Ummon held out his staff and said to the assembled monks,
"The staff has transformed itself into a dragon and swallowed up
the universe! Where are the mountains, the rivers, and the great
world?"

54
FUKETSU'S "ONE PARTICLE OF DUST"
Main Subject:
Fuketsu said to the assembled monks, "If one particle of

dust is raised, the state will come into being." What does that
mean?
Fuketsu said, "If no particle of dust is raised, the

state will perish." What does that mean?

55
FU DAISHI CONCLUDES HIS LECTURE ON THE SUTRA
Main Subject:
Emperor Wu of Liang asked Fu Daishi to give a lecture on

the Diamond Sutra. Fu Daishi mounted the platform, struck the
reading desk with his baton, and descended from the platform. The
emperor was dumbfounded. Shiko said to him, "Your Majesty, have
you understood?" The emperor said, "No, I do not understand."
Shiko said, "Daishi has concluded his lecture."

56
KYOZAN ASKS SANSHO'S NAME
Main Subject:
Kyozan asked Sansho, "What is your name?" Sansho said,

"Ejaku!" Kyozan said, "Ejaku is my name!" Sansho said, "My name
is Enen!" Kyozan laughed heartily . .
Sansho Enen
Kyozan Ejaku
57
!SAN'S "I WOULD ASK YOU TO SAY IT"
Main Subject:
Isan, Goho, and Ungan were standing together in

attendance on Hyakujo. Hyakujo said to Isan, "With your mouth and
lips closed, how would you say it?" Isan said, "I would ask you to
say it." Hyakujo said, "I could say it. But if I did so, I fear
I should have no successors."

58
BASO AND THE HUNDRED NEGATIONS
Main Subject:
A monk said to Ba Taishi, "Independent of the four

propositions and transcending the hundred negations, tell me
plainly the meaning of Bodhidharma's coming from the West." Bashi
said, "Today I am tired and cannot tell you. Ask Chizo about it."
The monk asked Chizo, who said, "Why don't you ask the master?"
The monk said, "He told me to ask you." Chizo said, "Today I have
a headache and cannot tell you about it. Ask Brother Kai." The
monk asked Brother Kai, who said, "Coming to this point, I do not
understand." The monk told this to Ba Taishi, who said, "Zo's head
is white, Kai's head is black."

59
UMMON'S "A SESAME BUN"
Main Subject:
A monk asked Ummon, "What is the teaching that transcends

the Buddha and patriarchs?" Ummon said, "A sesame bun."

60
BODHISATTVAS IN THE BATH
Main Subject:
In ancient times, there were sixteen Bodhisattvas. At

the monks' bathtime, following the rule, they had baths. They
suddenly experienced realization through the touch of the water.
You reverend Zen students, do you understand their words? "We
experienced the subtle and clear touch, have attained Buddhahood,
and still retain it." You will be able to attain this condition
after seven times piercing and eight times breaking through.

61
JOSHU'S "A NEWBORN BABY"
Main Subject:
A monk asked Joshu, "Does a newborn baby possess the six

senses or not?" Joshu said, "It is like throwing a ball into the
rapids." The monk later asked Tosu, "What is the meaning of
'throwing a ball into the rapids'?" Tosu said, "Nen after nen,
without ceasing."

62
TAIRYU' S "INDESTRUCTIBLE DHARMA BODY"
Main Subject:
A monk said to Tairyu, "Man's body will ultimately

decompose; what i s the indestructible Dharma body?" Tairyu said,
"Flowers cover the hillside like brocade,

The vale lies deep in shade."

63
UMMON'S "EVERYBODY HAS HIS OWN LIGHT"
Main Subject:
Ummon spoke to his assembly and said, "Everybody has his

own light. If he tries to see it, eve~ything is darkness. What is
everybody's light?" Later, in place of the disciples, he said,
"The halls and the gate." And again he said, "Blessing things
cannot be better than nothing."

64
UMMON'S "MEDICINE AND SICKNESS CURE EACH OTHER"
Main Subject:
Ummon said to his disciples, "Medicine and sickness cure

each other. All the earth is medicine. Where do you find your
true self?"

65
CHIMON AND THE ESSENCE OF PRAJNA
Main Subject:
A monk asked Chimon, "What is the essence of pra jna?"

Chimon said, "The oyster swallows the · full moon." The monk said,
"What is the action of prajna?" Chimon said, "The hare conceives
by the full moon."

66
THE WORLD-HONORED ONE TAKES HIS SEAT
Main Subject:
The World-honored One one day took his seat on the

platform. Manjusri struck the table with the gavel and said,
"Clearly understand the Lord of Dharma's Law, the Lord of Dharma's
Law is like this." The World-honored One descended from his seat.

67
TAIKO'S "YOU FOX-DEVIL"
Main Subject:
A monk asked Taiko, "What is the meaning of Chokei 's

words, 'He seems to observe reflection· and thanksgiving before the
midday meal'?" Taiko performed a dance. The monk made bows.
Taiko said, "What makes you make the bows?" The monk performed a
dance. Taiko said, "You fox-devil!"

68
JOSHU'S THREE TURNING WORDS
Main Subject:
Joshu said, "Clay Buddhas cannot pass through water;

metal Buddhas cannot pass through a furnace; wooden Buddhas cannot
pass through fire."
What will happen with a real Buddha?

69
THE DIAMOND SUTRA'S "THE TRANSGRESSION IS WIPED OUT"
Main Subject:
The Diamond Sutra says, "If anyone is despised by others,

even if he has committed some serious transgression in a former
life and been doomed to fall into the evil world, the transgression
in the former life is wholly wiped out by virtue of the fact that
he is despised in this life."
How can you be free from your evil karma?

70
HARYO'S SWORD AGAINST WHICH A HAIR IS BLOWN
Main Subject:
A monk asked Haryo, "What is the sword against which a

hair is blown?" Haryo said, ''Each branch of the coral embraces the
bright moon."

71
WHICH IS THE TRUE EYE?
Master Rinzai said, "The Kanzeon Bodhisattva has a

thousand hands and a thousand eyes. Which is the true eye and
hand?" How do they work?
[Rinzai Roku Discourse, Chapter II]

72
THE TRUE MAN WITHOUT RANK
Master Rinzai took the high seat in the Hall. He said,

"On your lump of red flesh is a true man without rank who is always
going in and out of the face of every one of you. Those who have
not yet proved him, look, look!"
Then a monk came forward and asked, "What about the true
man without rank?"
Master Rinzai got down from his seat, seized the monk and
cried, "Speak, speak!"
The monk faltered.
Shoving him away, Master Rinzai said, "The true man

without rank--what kind of a shit-wiping stick is he!" Then ·he
returned to his quarters.
What about the true man without rank?
[Rinzai Roku Discourse, Chapter III]

73
HOST AND GUEST
One day the head monks of the two halls had met and at
the same moment each had given a shout.
A monk asked Master Rinzai,. "Was there a guest and a

host?"
"Guest and host were obvious," replied Master Rinzai.
Who is the guest and who is the host?
[Rinzai Roku Discourse, Chapter IVL

74
WHICH IS BEFORE? WHICH IS AFTER?

"The man on the summit of a solitary peak has no path by which to
leave. The man at the busy crossroads has neither front nor back.
Which one is before, which one is after?
[Rinzai Roku Discourse, Chapter VII]

75
ENDLESSLY ON THE WAY, YET NEVER HAVING LEFT HOME

"One man is endlessly on the way, yet has never left horne. Another
has left horne, yet is not on the way. Which one deserves the
offerings of men and devas?"
[Rinzai Roku Discourse, Chapter VIII]

76
FOUR DEPRIVATIONS
At the evening gathering, Master Rinzai addressed the as-

sembly, saying:
1. Sometimes I take away man and do not take away the

surroundings. What does this mean?
2. Sometimes I take away the surroundings and do not take

away man. What does this mean?
3. Sometimes I take away both man and the surroundings. What

does this mean?
4. Sometimes I take away neither man nor the surroundings.

What does this mean?
[Rinzai Roku Discourse, Chapter X]

77
TRUE INSIGHT
The true student of the Way does not look to the faults
of the world; he eagerly desires to seek true insight. If he
attains true insight in its perfect clarity, then, indeed, that is
all.
What is 'true insight'?
[Rinzai Roku Discourse, Chapter XIII]

78
FOUR SHOUTS
Master Rinzai asked a monk:
Sometimes a shout is like the jeweled sword of the Vajra King
Sometimes a shout is like the golden-haired lion crouching on

the ground
Sometimes a shout is like a weed-tipped fishing pole
Sometimes a shout doesn't function as a shout
How do you understand these four s~outs?
[Rinzai Roku Critical Examination, Chapter XX]

79
RINZAI AND JOSHU
Joshu, while on a pilgrimage, came to see Rinzai. Master

Rinzai hapened to be washing his feet when they met.
Joshu asked, "What is the purpose of the Patriarch's

coming from the West?"
"I just happen to be washing my feet," replied Master

Rinzai.
Joshu came closer and gave the appearance of cocking his

ear. Master Rinzai said, "Now I'm going to pour out a second
dipper of dirty water."
Joshu departed.
[Rinzai Roku Critical Examination, Chapter XVII]

80
FUKEI'S VERSE
Coming as brightness, I hit the brightness;

Coming as darkness, I hit the darkness;
Coming from the four quarters and eight directions,
I hit like a whirlwind;
Coming from empty sky, I lash like a flail.
Observe this verse.
[Rinzai Roku Critical Examination, Chapter VI]

81
LAST SHOUT
When Master Rinzai was about to pass away, he seated

himself and said, "After I am extinguished, do not let my True
Dharma Eye be extinguished."
San Sho came forward and said, "How could I let your True
Dharma Eye be extinguished!"
"Later on, when somebody asks you about it, what will you
say to him?" asked Master Rinzai.
San Sho gave a shout.
"Who would have thought that my True Dharma Eye would be

extinguished upon reaching this blind ass!" said Master Rinzai.
Having spoken these words, sitting erect, Master Rinzai

revealed his nirvana.
[Rinzai Roku Record of Pilgri~ages, Chapter XXI]

82
LAST I LAST SHOUT
There is still one more shout coming; it needs further

consideration. What is it?
[Rinzai Roku Preface]

83
ESSENCE OF RINZAI ROKU
Say the essence of Rinzai Roku in one sentence.

84
GOI
THE FIVE RANKS
85
(1)
THE RELATIVE WITHIN THE ABSOLUTE
[Water is no other than wave]
In the third watch of the night before the moon appears
No wonder when we meet there is no recognition!
Still cherished in my heart is the beauty of earlier days.
[Tozan's Verses on the Five Ranks]

86
(2)
THE ABSOLUTE WITHIN THE RELATIVE
[Wave is no other than water]
A sleepy-eyed grandam encounters herself in an old mirror.
Clearly she sees a face, but it doesn't resemble hers at all.
Too bad, with a muddled head. she tries to recognize her

reflection!
[Tozen's Verses on the Five Ranks]

87
(3)
THE COMING FROM WITHIN THE ABSOLUTE
[Nothing but water]
Within nothingness there is a path leading away from the dusts

of the world.
Even if you observe the taboo on the present emperor's name,
You will surpass that eloquent one of yore who silenced every
tongue.

88
(4)
THE ARRIVAL FROM THE RELATIVE
[Nothing but waves]
When two blades cross points. there's no need to withdraw.

The master swordsman is like the lotus blooming in the fire.
Such a man has in and of himself a heaven-soaring spirit.
[Tozan's Verses on the Five Ranks] ,

89
(5)
UNITY ATTAINED
[Is it water? Is it wave? Speak! Speak!]
Who dares to egual him who falls into neither being nor
non-being!
All men want to leave the current of ordinary life,
But he, after all, comes back to sit among the coals and
ashes.

90
THE TEN PRECEPTS
l. I will be reverential and mindful with all life.

I will not be violent nor will I kill.
A. Explain this from relative vista.
B. See this from Mahayana vista.
C. Observe this from One-Mind vista.
2. I will respect others' property.
I will not steal.
3. I will be conscious and loving in my relationships.
I will not lust.

4. I will honor honesty and truth.
I will not deceive.
A. Explain this from relativ~ vista.
5. I will exercise proper care of my body and mind.
I will not be gluttonous or abuse intoxicants.

c. Observe this from One-Mind vista.
6. I will remember that silence is precious.

I will not gossip or engage in frivolous conversation.

7. I will be humble.
I will not praise myself and judge others.

91
Precepts (Continued)
8. I will be satisfied with myself.

I will not covet, envy or be jealous.
9. I will keep my mind always calm and at peace.

I will not give way to anger.

10. I will esteem the Three Treasures: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha.
I will not defame them.

92
NOT YET
Master Hakuun said to his disciple, Goso, "A few Zen

students came from Rosan. Everybody has insight, everybody can
express it, everybody can answer my questions, but they are 'not
yet • I II
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Isshu Miura Roshi, and Sasaki, Ruth Fuller, The Zen Koan. (from
which Five Ranks are taken) New York: Harcourt, Bruce &
World, Inc., 1965.
Two Zen Classics (includes Gateless Gate and Blue Rock Collection,
translated by Katsuki Sekida. New York: Weatherhill, 1977.
Ten Precepts. Dai Bosatsu Zenda translation.
Miscellaneous Koans and various other additions and changes by

Muishistsu Eido Sotai Roshi.

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DAI BOSATSU ROKU

A newly organized Rinzai Zen Koan system for Western students

Muishitsu Eido Sotai Roshi

Dai Bosatsu Zenda Kongo-ji

Livingston Manor, New York

DAI BOSATSU ZENOO KONGO-JI

Muishitsu Eido Sotai Roshi

DAI BOSATSU ROKU

Again and again I say that there is only one koan. In

aspects into five categories.

Genuine insight is no other than the realization of zero-

ness of our being--that is sunyata [Hosshin--Dharmakaya, Category

I]. One of the aspects of sunyata is to see the dynamic activity

of Dharma [Kikan--Dynamism, Category II]. Still another aspect of

sunyata is to appreciate the dialog through verbal expression

[Gonsen--Verbal Expression, Catego~y III]. The other aspects of

sunyata are so near, hence, easy to miss; consequently, difficult

to pass [ Nanto--Diff icul t to Pass, Category IV]. The last categ-o ry

is Kojo--Endless Integration [Category V], which includes Goi, The

Five Ranks and The Ten Precepts.

Transmission of the Lamp in the near future. Also, it is my

intention to ask the students to present Jakugo, or "capping

phrases," for selected koans. At any rate, I am convinced if these

by one, we can cultivate the perspectives of our vistas. Thus,

I present this to you as an incomplete, experimental

compilation. It is not particularly secret but just to avoid its

misuse by a person who either does not have deep understanding in

teacher, do not make any photo copies or spread around. I only

It is my sincere wish that by the beginning of the 21st

practice in the West.

Muishitsu Eido Sotai Roshi

A monk asked Joshu, "Has a dog Buddha Nature?" Joshu answered,

[Gateless Gate, Case 1]

Before Miscellaneous Koans

l. What is the root of Mu? ~

2. What is the sound of one hand?

3. What will happen when the hand is cut in two?

4. Stop the distant temple gong.

6. The Diamond Sutra says, "All Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and

7. The Diamond Sutra says, "All &re created equal. There is no

8. The Diamond Sutra says, "Past mind is ungraspable, present

9. The Diamond sutra says, "All composite things are like a

12. How old is Manjusri Bodhisattva?

MISCELLANEOUS KOANS FROM WESTERN SOURCES

13. Little flower--but if I c~~ld understand what you are, root

14. I know that without me God cannot live for an instant: if I

18. Everywhere (in the Psalms) is the exhortation to praise the

KOAN PAIRS FROM WEST AND EAST

22. Followers of the Way, as to Buddha-Dharma no effort is

26. If a man seeks Buddha, he'll lose Buddha; if he seeks the

28. Whatever you encounter, slay it at once: on meeting a buddha

34. Seizei said to Sozan, "I am utterly destitute. Will you

36. The master swordsman

37. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

THE WESTERN BARBARIAN WITH NO BEARD

Wakuan said, "Why has the Western Barbarian no beard?"

(Gateless Gate, Case 4)

KYOGEN'S "MAN UP IN A TREE"

Kyogen Osho said, "It is like a man up in a tree hanging