Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 76 – Zen Master Tanka «Have You Had Your Dinner?»

The Case

Zen master Tanka asked a monk, "Where are you from?" The monk replied, From the foot of the mountain." Tanka said "Have you had your dinner ?" The monk said I have had it." Tanka said, "Is he open-eyed who brings food to a fellow like you and lets you eat it?" The monk could make no reply.

Later Chokei asked Hofuku,"To give food to others is surely worthy. How could he fail to be open-eyed?" Hofuku said, "Both giver and receiver are blind." Chokei said, "Are you still blind, even though you exhaust every means?" Hofuku said, ''How can you call me blind?"

Engo's Introduction

It is as small as a particle of flour, as cold as ice and frost. It fills the universe, transcends light and darkness. Its depths cannot be fathomed, its summit is beyond reach. Holding fast and letting go are all contained within it. Where is your absolute freedom, transcending all restrictions?

Verse

Exhaust every means, and you will not be blind. You hold the cow's head to let it graze. The four sevens, the two threes, the following band have handed down the Dharma treasure, raising dust and trouble to make men drown on land.