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

35. Quinnu Parted From Her Higher-Soul

Wuzu questioned the monks saying, "Qiannu parted from her higher-soul. Which one is the true shelter?”

Wumen says: If within you are able to awaken to your true shelter, then you know going out of the husk and entering the husk is like spending the night in a travel lodge. If you are maybe not yet exactly like that, then do not travel about in confusion. Suddenly like that, earth, water, fire, and air all scatter, and you are like a crab falling into hot water with seven hands eight feet. At that time don’t say that I did not speak.

The Ode says

Clouds and moon are the same.

Mountain streams and mountains are separate and different.

Ten thousand good fortunes; ten thousand good fortunes.

This one, that two.

[MM 48]

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This page last edited September 08, 2007.