Zen Koan – Hekiganroku – No. 93 – Zen Master Taiko «You Fox-Devil!»

The Case

A monk asked zen master Taiko, "What is the meaning of Chokei's words, 'He seems to observe reflection and thanksgiving before the midday meal'?" Taiko performed a dance. Then he made bows. Taiko said, "What makes you make bows?" The monk performed a dance. Taiko said, "You fox-devil!"

Verse

One arrow glanced off, the second struck deep· don't tell me yellow leaves are gold. If the waves of Sokei were all the same, many would drown on land.