Instruction:

Jewels are tested by fire, gold is tested by stone. Swords are tested by a hair, water is tested by a pole. In the school of the patch-robed monks, it is necessary to observe a word or a phrase, a tiny action or a big action, an exit or an entry, an encounter or an response, in order to judge depth or shallowness, or to determine whether they are facing forward or backward. Just tell me, what should you use in testing? I cite an example, look!

Case:

Once Hofuku and Chôkei went on an outing in the hills. Hofuku, pointing with a finger, said, "Right here is the summit of Myô Peak." Chôkei said, "Exactly. But it's regrettable."

(Setchô commented saying, "What's the use of making an excursion with this fellow today?" He again said, "Hundreds and thousands of years from now, I don't say that there will be none, only that there will be very few.")

Later, they reported to Kyôsei about it. Kyôsei said, "If it weren't for the Reverend Son, you would see skeletons all over the field."

Verse:

On the lone summit of Myô Peak, grasses grow thickly.

It is obtained clearly – but with whom could it be shared?

If the Reverend Son had not seen the real point,

Skeletons would be all over the ground.

But how many people would know this?

Links:

Introductory post to Hekiganroku

List of posted koans.

Extended commentary on verse, case and introduction.