Instruction:

A phrase that settles heaven and earth is obeyed by the ten thousand generations. The activity that snares the tiger and buffalo cannot be distinguished, even by a thousand patriarchs. At any moment there is not the thinnest trace of shadow and the whole activity manifests itself appropriately to the situation as well. If you wish to make clear the tongs and hammer [of strict training] to the highest degree, you must go into the forge of a Zen master with abundant resources. But just say, have there ever been such family ways up to now? To test, I cite this Case. Look!

Case:

A monk asked Tozan, "Cold and heat come. How can we avoid them? Tozan said, "Why don't you go to the place where there is neither cold nor heat?" "What is the place where there is neither cold nor heat?" the monk asked. Tozan said, "When it's cold, kill yourself with cold. When it's hot, kill yourself with heat."

Verse:

When his hands hang at his sides, it is like a ten-thousand-foot cliff.

What need is there to arrange Hen and Shô in order?

The ancient crystal palace shines in the bright moon.

The quick and clever dog of Han climbs the staircase in vain.

Links:

List of posted koans, and introduction to Hekiganroku

Extended commentary on verse, case and introduction.