The Gateless Checkpoint of the Zen Lineage

Chan Zong Wumen Guan (J. Mumonkan)

禅宗無門關

By Wumen Huikai (1183-1260, J. Mumon Ekai)

Translated by Gregory Wonderwheel © 2007

22. Kashyapa's Temple Pole

Kashyapa: Because Ananda said questioning, "The World-honored One transmitted to you the golden embroidered monk’s robe. Outside differentiation, what thing was transmitted?" Kashyapa said calling, "Ananda!".

Nan, "Yes!"

Kashyapa said, "Tip it over and eliminate attachment to the temple pole at the front gate.”

Wumen says: If within you are able to issue one turning word that is intimate, then you see the whole gathering of Spirit Mountain (Vulture Peak/Mount Grdhrakuta) just like it has not disbanded. Maybe you are not yet like that? From early times Vipaśyin Buddha has been mindful up until the time of the present and has not attained the sublime.

The Ode says

How is the place of the question like the intimacy of the place of the reply?

How many people produce muscle from this eye?

Elder brother calls, younger brother responds, hoisting the family shame,

Not in the family of yin and yang, this is a different springtime.

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This page last edited September 08, 2007.