Zen Master Haryo's "Snow in the Silver Bowl"

The Case

A monk asked zen master Haryo, "What is the Daiba school?" Haryo said, "Snow in the silver bowl"

Engo's Introduction

Clouds gather over the great plain, but the universe can still be discerned. Snow covers the flowering reeds and it is difficult to distinguish them. Speaking of the coldness of it, it is colder than frozen snow; as for the fineness, it is finer than powdered rice. With regard to the deepness, even the Buddha's eyes cannot penetrate it, while as for the way it is hidden, devils would be unable to spy it out. I allow you are clever enough to know three comers from one, but how would you speak to shut the mouths of the people of the world? Who has the capacity to do that?

Verse

Remarkable, the old man of Shinkai Temple; It was well said, that "Snow in the silver bowl." The ninety-six can learn for themselves what it means; If they cannot, let them ask the moon in the sky. Daiba school! Daiba school! Scarlet banners flapping, the wind is cool!