The Gateless Checkpoint of the Zen Lineage

Chan Zong Wumen Guan (J. Mumonkan)

宗無門

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

 

Translated by Gregory Wonderwheel © 2007

 

 

 

35.  Qiannu 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.  If suddenly like that, earth, water, fire, and air all scatter, then you are like a crab falling into hot water with seven hands and 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 each different.

Ten thousand blessings; ten thousand blessings.

It’s one, it’s two.

[MM 48]

 

 

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This page last edited September 08, 2007.