Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 6 – The Buddha Holds Out a Flower

The Case

When Shakyamuni Buddha was at Mount Grdhrakuta, he held out a flower to his listeners. Everyone was silent. Only Mahakashyapa broke into a broad smile. The Buddha said, "I have the True Dharma Eye, the Marvelous Mind of Nirvana, the True Form of the Formless, and the Subtle Dharma Gate, independent of words and transmitted beyond doctrine. This I have entrusted to Mahakashyapa."

Mumon's Comment

Golden-faced Gautama really disregarded his listeners. He made the good look bad and sold dog's meat labeled as mutton. He himself thought it was wonderful. If, however, everyone in the audience had laughed, how could he have transmitted his True Eye? And again, if Mahakashyapa had not smiled, how could the Buddha have transmitted it? If you say the True Eye of Dharma can be transmitted then the golden-faced old man would be a city slicker who cheats the country bumpkin. If you say it cannot be transmitted, then why did Buddha approve of Mahakashyapa?

Verse

Holding out a flower, the Buddha betrayed his curly tail. Heaven and earth were bewildered at Mahakashyapa's smile.