Instruction:

Standing on the summit of the highest peak – even demons and non-Buddhist sages cannot know it. Descending to the bottom of the deepest sea – even Buddha's eye, however hard it may try, cannot see it. Even if your eye is like a shooting star and your activity like one who catches lightning, you cannot escape being like the mysterious tortoise who unavoidably leaves its trail. Having arrived at this stage, what should you do? I will try to present an example, look!

Case:

Ryû Tetsuma came to Isan. Isan said, "Old Cow, you have come!" Tetsuma said, "Tomorrow there will be a great feast at Mt. Tai. Will you go there, Master?" Isan lay down and stretched himself out. Tetsuma left immediately.

Verse:

Riding on an iron horse, one enters a heavy fortress.

An imperial order has been issued, one hears that the six nations are pure.

Still holding the golden whip, one poses a question to the home-coming traveler.

In the deepest night, with whom will one walk the royal quarter?

Links:

Introductory post to Hekiganroku

List of posted koans.

Extended commentary on verse, case and introduction.