Instruction:

Before passing through, it's all like silver mountains and iron walls. After passing through, the self is intrinsically iron walls and silver mountains. Should there be someone who asks how it is, I would turn to him and say, "If, right here, you can reveal an activity, see a circumstance, sit and cut off the main crossing, thereby preventing passage to ordinary and holy, this is not yet beyond your inherent capability." If, however, it is not like this, observe the form of the ancients.

Case:

A monk asked Jôshû, "The Supreme Way is not difficult; it just dislikes picking and choosing. What is not picking and choosing?" Jôshû said, "Above and below heaven I alone am honored." The monk said, "Isn't that, however, picking and choosing?" Jôshû said, "You bumpkin! Where is there any picking and choosing?" The monk was speechless.

Verse:

It's as deep as the ocean; it's as hard as a mountain.

Mosquitoes and gnats play against a fierce wind in the sky.

Ants and termites try to shake an iron pillar.

Picking and choosing, a cloth drum hanging under the eaves.

List of posted koans, and introduction to Hekiganroku