Instruction:

It is futile to brood over the swiftest action that could catch the lightning; when the roaring thunder assails from the sky, you hardly have time to cover your ears. The scarlet banner flutters over the head; the twin swords are whirling behind the ears. If you are not equipped with an able eye and swift hands, how could you match that person? Some people lower their heads and keep pondering, trying to figure it out with their delusive thinking. They scarcely know that they are seeing countless ghosts around the skull. Now, tell me, if someone does not fall into delusive thinking, or get caught up in gain or loss, having a very clear understanding of the matter, how will you face such a person? I will try to show you an example, look!

Case:

Banzan, giving instruction, said, "In the three Realms, there is not one thing. Where should we seek the mind?"

Verse:

In the three Realms, there is not one thing.

Where should we seek the mind?

The white clouds make a covering,

The flowing spring turns into a lute.

One tune, two tunes – there is no one who understands.

The rain has passed, and the autumn waters are deep in the evening moat.

Links:

List of posted koans, and introduction to Hekiganroku

Extended commentary on verse, case and introduction.