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

26. Two Monks Roll Up the Blinds

Great Fayan of Qinglian: Because a monk, before the vegetarian meal, went up to interview, Yan used his hand to point to the bamboo blinds. Just then there were two monks who together got up and rolled up the blinds.

Yan said, "One gains, one loses."

Wumen says: Just say, indeed, who gained, who lost? If within you are able to manifest one single eye, then you know the National Teacher of Qinglian was defeated and the place of his weak point. However, even if you know that is, be sure to avoid facing gain and loss within your amount of discussing.

The Ode says:

Rolling up and raising clearly penetrate greatest emptiness (sunyata),

Still, greatest emptiness is not appropriate for our lineage.

To fight against or to seem to accord with [MM38] emptiness, let both fall.

In continuous intimacy, even the wind can't pass through.

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This page last edited February 23, 2008.