Instruction:

When a particle of dust is raised, it comprises the great earth. When a flower blooms, the world springs forth. But when dust is not yet raised and a flower has not yet bloomed, how can it be seen? Therefore, I say, it is like cutting a skein of thread: with one hack, it is all cut; or like dyeing a skein of thread: with one dyeing, all is dyed. Now, if you cut off all complications and bring forth your family treasure, then you comply everywhere with high and low, and there is no difference between front and back, each one will be fully manifest. If you are not yet so, look at the lines below.

Case: Whenever he was asked [about Buddhism], Master Gutei simply stuck up one finger.

Verse:

For the way he responds I deeply cherish old Gutei;

Throughout the universe, is there another like him?

He cast a log adrift on the sea,

In the night of turbulence, together he attends to blind turtles.

Links:

Introductory post to Hekiganroku

List of posted koans.

Extended commentary on verse, case and introduction.