Instruction:

One strike of the gavel and Buddhahood is achieved, transcending the ordinary and overreaching the holy. With half a phrase a settlement is made, undoing fetters and loosening attachments. Like walking across icy peaks or running over knife edges. Though he sits within a heap of sounds and colors, he passes over the top of sounds and colors. Putting aside for the moment the wondrous and completely free activity, what about the time when one fully realizes in an instant. To test I bring this forth. Look!

Case:

Kyôshô asked a monk, "What is that sound outside the gate?" The monk said, "The sound of raindrops." Kyôshô said, "Living beings, turned upside down, are deluded to themselves and pursue objects." The monk said, "How is it for you, Master?" Kyôshô said, "I almost became deluded to myself." The monk said, "What does it mean to say, 'I almost became deluded to myself'?" Kyôshô said, "Although it should be easy to become one, to leave oneness can be said to be difficult."

Verse:

The empty hall, the sound of raindrops.

Even a great master finds it difficult to respond.

If you say that you already turned the stream within,

You still do not understand.

Understanding, not understanding.

South Mountain, North Mountain---a general downpour.

Links:

List of posted koans, and introduction to Hekiganroku

Extended commentary on verse, case and introduction.