Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 43 – Zen Master Tozan’s «Nor Cold or Heat»

The Case

A monk said to zen master Tozan, "Cold and heat descend upon us. How can we avoid them?" Tozan said, "Why don't you go where there is no cold or heat?" The monk said, "Where is the place where there is no cold or heat?" Tozan said, "When cold, let it be so cold that it kills you; when hot, let it be so hot that it kills you."

Engo's Introduction

The words which command the universe are obeyed throughout the ages. The spirit able to quell the tiger amazes even thousands of the holy ones. His words are matchless, his spirit prevails everywhere. If you want to go through with your advanced training, you must enter the great master's forge. Tell me, who could ever show such spirit?

Verse

A helping hand, but still a thousand-fathom cliff; Sho and Hen: no arbitrary distinction here. The ancient emerald palace shines in the bright moonlight. Clever Kanro climbs the steps-and finds it empty.