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

[27] Not This Heart-Mind or Buddha

Venerable Nanquan: Because a monk’s question said, "Still, is there a fundamental Dharma that has not been given to people by speaking?”

Quan said, "There is."

The monk said, "So what is the fundamental Dharma that has not been given to people by speaking?”

Nanquan said, "Not this heart-mind; not this Buddha; not these things."

Wumen says: By this person’s one question Nanquan directly was able to weigh and use up the family secrets. The gentleman doesn't stop flunking.

The Ode says:

Repeating exhortations harms your virtue,

The wordless really has merit,

Allow the blue sea to transform,

In the end, not-doing is your freedom.

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This page last edited September 08, 2007.