Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 5 – Zen Master Ummon’s «Every Day Is a Good Day»

The Case

Zen master Ummon addressed the assembly and said, "I am not asking you about the days before the fifteenth of the month. But what about after the fifteenth? Come and give me a word about those days." And he himself gave the answer for them: "Every day is a good day."

Verse

Setting aside one, you gained seven; No one can rival you-above, below, or in the four directions. Quietly wading the rapids, you extinguish the sound of the waters. Watching at leisure, you retain the tracks of flying birds. Grass grows rampant, mist lies thick. Famed for emptiness in sitting, Yet flowers rain down on you; for shame! Snapping my fingers, I scold you, Emptiness. Don't be confused! Or else-thirty blows!