Zen Koan & Mysticism – Mumonkan – Case No. 31 – Zen Master Joshu Investigates an Old Woman

The Case

A monk asked an old woman, "What is the way to Taisan?" The old woman said, "Go straight on."
When the monk had proceeded a few steps, she said, "A good, respectable monk, but he too goes that way." Afterward someone told zen master Joshu about this. Joshu said, "Wait a bit, I will go and investigate the old woman for you." The next day he went and asked the same question, and the old woman gave the same answer. On returning, Joshu said to his disciples, "I have investigated the old woman of Taisan for you."

Mumon's Comment

The old woman only knew how to sit still in her tent and plan the campaign; she did not know when she was shadowed by a spy. Though old Joshu showed himself clever enough to take a camp and overwhelm a fortress, he displayed no trace of being a great commander. If we look at them, they both have their faults. But tell me, what did Joshu see in the old woman?

Verse

The question was like the others, The answer was the same. Sand in the rice, Thorns in the mud.