Instruction:

The myriad Buddhas have never come into the world. There is no Dharma to be given to the people. The patriarch has never come from the West. There has never been a transmission of Mind. As a matter of course, the people of this time do not understand. They continue to run toward the outside looking for it. They do not know that the single great matter lying beneath their feet has never been found by the thousand sages. Right at this very moment: Seeing and not seeing, hearing and not hearing, speaking and not speaking, knowing and not knowing. Where do they come from? If you have not perceived, then go into the cave of entanglements and understand. To test, I cite this case. Look!

Case:

Ryô, a Zen devotee, asked Kinzan: "How is it when a single arrow has broken through three barriers?" Kinzan said, "Bring out the master within the barriers for me to see." Ryô said, "In that case, I realize my error and must make amends." Kinzan said, "What are you waiting for?" Ryô said, "A good shot was let loose but no one can discern it," and was about to go out. Kinzan said, "Come here." Ryô turned his head. Kinzan grasped him and said, "Leaving aside for the moment the matter of one arrow breaking through three barriers, try shooting an arrow for me." Ryô hesitated. Kinzan hit him seven times with his stick and said, "I will let this fellow doubt another thirty years."

Verse:

I have brought him out for you, the master of the barrier.

Those who let loose arrows, don't be careless.

If you take this eye, the ears will surely become deaf.

If you take this ear, both eyes will go blind.

It is greatly to be admired, breaking through three barrier with a single arrow.

Distinct and clear, the path of the arrow.

Don't you see? Gensha had something to say:

"The outstanding student precedes heaven in becoming the mind's ancestor."

List of posted koans, and introduction to Hekiganroku