Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 13 – Zen Master Tokusan Holds His Bowls

The Case

One day Tokusan went down toward the dining room, holding his bowls. Seppo met him and asked, ''Where are you off to with your bowls? The bell has not rung, and the drum has not sounded." Tokusan turned and went back to his room. Seppo mentioned this to Ganto, who remarked, ''Tokusan is renowned, but he does not know the last word." Tokusan heard about this remark and sent his attendant to fetch Ganto. "You do not approve of me?'' he asked.

Ganto whispered his meaning. Tokusan said nothing at the time, but the next day he ascended the rostrum, and behold! he was very different from usual! Ganto, going toward the front of the hall, clapped his hands and laughed loudly, saying, "Congratulations! Our old man has got hold of the last word. From now on, nobody in this whole country can outdo him!"

Mumon's Comment

As for the last word, neither Ganto nor Tokusan has ever dreamed of it! When you look into the matter, you find they are like puppets on the shelf!

Verse

If you realize the first, You master the last. The first and the last Are not one word.