No Beard

Hanging from a Branch

Kyogen said, “It’s like a man up a tree, hanging from a branch with his mouth; his hands cannot grasp a bough, his feet won’t reach one. Under the tree there is a man who asks him the meaning of Bodhidharma’s coming from the West. If he does not answer he will lose his life. What should he do?”

Another koan, in a dream.

Another Koan: ... If you cannot answer it, the teaching of the Buddha is worthless.

Koan: A man asked Ummon, “How do Buddhas appear?” Ummon answered, “The eastern mountain moves along the stream.”

Absorbed in the flight of birds, he sees mindlessly.

Koan: Through the flowing murmuring waters he walks leisurely.

Koan: Empty handed—yet holding a rake.

Incense Powder Koan

Beginningless 3: The striking of thunder has opened the gate of the head's crown.

Beginningless 4