Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 4 – The Western Barbarian with No Beard

The Case

Master Wakuan said, "Why has the Western Barbarian no beard?"

Mumon's Comment

Study should be real study, enlightenment should be real enlightenment. You should once meet this barbarian directly to be really intimate with him. But saying you are really intimate with him already divides you into two.

Verse

Don't discuss your dream before a fool. Barbarian with no beard obscures the clarity.